TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's intelligence chief detected alleged foreign interference in the opposition Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) chairman election Wednesday (Oct. 15), discovering over 1,000 TikTok videos and more than 200 YouTube videos from overseas accounts. National Security Bureau (國安局) Director Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) revealed that more than half of 23 YouTube accounts discussing the election originated from foreign locations.
The Legislative Yuan's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee (立法院外交及國防委員會) summoned intelligence chiefs for national security briefings Wednesday. Tsai confirmed police investigations are underway while the bureau examines whether foreign forces manipulate public opinion through online videos. The parliamentary session highlighted growing concerns over digital interference in Taiwan's democratic processes.
Former China Broadcasting Corporation (中國廣播公司) Chairman Jaw Shau-kong (趙少康) raised concerns Monday (Oct. 13) about pro-candidate video content registered shortly before the KMT election began. Tsai acknowledged insufficient legal frameworks, noting current laws fail to specifically address foreign interference in domestic party elections. The timing of video registrations suggests coordinated influence operations targeting Taiwan's political processes.
Tsai emphasized urgent legislative improvements, revealing the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, convened multiple inter-ministerial meetings to enhance legal frameworks. He urged cross-party Legislative Yuan discussions to strengthen national security legislation and establish robust digital governance foundations. The call reflects Taiwan's struggle to adapt legal systems to emerging threats from foreign digital interference campaigns. ◼
