TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF, 海峽交流基金會), the semi-official organization handling technical and business matters with China in the absence of formal diplomatic relations, conducted its regular press briefing on Friday (July 18) where pressing cross-strait security concerns dominated the agenda. Secretary-General Lo Wen-chia (羅文嘉) faced direct questions regarding allegations of Chinese interference in Taiwan's democratic recall election processes but maintained a cautious position, stating he could neither confirm nor offer specific commentary on such potential influence operations.
The SEF official presented alarming intelligence data documenting 29 confirmed infiltration operations conducted by Chinese operatives against Taiwan spanning from 2024 through the current year, with a significant escalation pattern emerging. While six incidents were recorded throughout 2024, the frequency has nearly quadrupled to 23 cases in just the first half of 2025, collectively involving 95 individuals across various sectors. Lo's security briefing revealed that military institutions represented the primary targets, accounting for approximately 80% of infiltration attempts, with additional penetration efforts directed at three government agencies, two Coast Guard facilities, and one civil society organization.
The senior security official characterized China's approach as demonstrating sophisticated capabilities in infiltration operations, societal division strategies, and united front tactics — a reference to Beijing's coordinated influence operations targeting overseas Chinese communities and foreign entities. Lo stressed that these activities extend far beyond Taiwan, representing a global challenge to democratic institutions worldwide. His presentation included evidence that from January through June 2025 alone, Chinese operatives had conducted 17 documented infiltration operations spanning eight countries, including major targets such as the United States, the Philippines, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and South Korea.
Despite the sobering security assessment, Lo concluded his briefing by expressing robust confidence in Taiwan's democratic institutions and the discernment of its citizenry when facing sophisticated influence operations. The official highlighted Taiwan's constitutionally protected democratic mechanisms — including free elections, recall provisions, and referendum processes — pointedly noting these rights remain unavailable to citizens in China. Lo reaffirmed his conviction that Taiwan's population possesses both the capability and determination to exercise their democratic freedoms without intimidation from external pressures. ◼
