TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, approved four draft amendments to national security laws on Thursday (Dec. 18) in response to foreign hostile infiltrations. The amendments include revisions to the National Security Act (國家安全法), Criminal Code of the Armed Forces (陸海空軍刑法), Act of Military Service for Officers and Non-commissioned Officers of the Armed Forces (陸海空軍軍官士官服役條例), and The Veterans Assistance Act (國軍退除役官兵輔導條例).
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) emphasized the amendments demonstrate a commitment to sovereignty, stating the importance of safeguarding national security both physically and in cyberspace. Cho asserted the government must not openly advocate or support foreign forces waging war against the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name.
The proposed changes to the National Security Act stipulate fines ranging from NT$100,000 (around US$3,175) to NT$1 million (around US$31,746) for advocating war. Internet service providers must restrict or remove content that promotes war. The amendments introduce severe penalties for organizing or financing activities on behalf of hostile forces from China, Hong Kong, and Macau, with organizers facing minimum seven-year prison sentences.
Organizers face fines between NT$50 million (around US$1.59 million) and NT$100 million (around US$3.17 million), while participants could receive six months to five years in prison and fines up to NT$3 million (around US$95,238). Active military personnel and public servants convicted of national security offenses may have their sentences increased by up to half.
