TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan has ramped up its defenses against Chinese influence operations targeting its military community, officials announced Wednesday (April 2). The Veterans Affairs Council (VAC, 退輔會) has launched comprehensive measures to counter infiltration and united front tactics aimed at both current and former service members. Council Minister Yen Teh-fa (嚴德發) presented these initiatives during a session at the Legislative Yuan (Taiwan's parliament, 立法院), where he also addressed legislators' concerns about retired General Kao An-kuo (高安國), who has become unreachable amid allegations of espionage.
During his testimony, Minister Yen sought to reassure lawmakers about the loyalty of Taiwan's veteran community, stressing that the vast majority remain steadfastly patriotic and committed to national defense. The VAC has significantly expanded its communication channels with former military personnel, utilizing veterans' magazines, organizing regional forums, and conducting direct family visits through local veterans service offices. These outreach efforts serve dual purposes: reinforcing patriotic values while explicitly warning about the serious legal consequences of collaboration with foreign entities. Beyond security concerns, Yen highlighted the council's development of an innovative "Military-Civilian Specialty Transition System" (軍民專長轉銜系統), designed to facilitate veterans' successful transition to civilian careers by leveraging their military expertise in the private sector, thereby improving employment prospects and strengthening recruitment incentives.
The ambitious reintegration project, according to Yen, has already made significant progress since its inception. Last July, the VAC established a cross-governmental working group that brings together key stakeholders from the Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國放部), Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA, 經濟部), and Ministry of Education (MOE, 經濟部). This collaborative approach underscores the comprehensive nature of the initiative and the government's commitment to addressing veterans' transition challenges through coordinated policy action.
The transition system will incorporate cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to analyze and match military specializations with equivalent civilian career paths, Yen explained. Development is proceeding on schedule, with the system expected to be completed by late 2026. The VAC has set January 1, 2027, as the target date for the platform's official launch, potentially revolutionizing how Taiwan's veterans navigate post-military careers. Against this backdrop of veteran-focused initiatives, the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Eastern Theater Command conducted military exercises earlier on Wednesday, an action that has prompted concern and criticism from both Taiwanese and American officials.
