President Tsai Ing-wen said Jan. 15 that the government is working to raise awareness of the Anti-Infiltration Act, and the legislation will not affect normal cross-strait exchanges.
 
In no way does the act hinder regular exchanges between the two sides of the strait, Tsai said. It only prohibits actions instructed or supported by China such as engaging in campaigns and lobbying, interfering with elections, making political donations and sabotaging legal assembly, she added.
 
Tsai made the remarks during a news conference at the Presidential Office in Taipei City following promulgation of the act.
 
According to Tsai, the government is rolling out a variety of measures aimed at deepening understanding of the legislation. One of these is the establishment of a special task force under the Cabinet to identify instances of contravention and compliance with the act, she said.
 
Such measures will be complemented by launching a related consultancy service and commissioning regular public surveys by Taipei City-based Straits Exchange Foundation, Tsai said. The opinions of the people will be submitted to the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council for review and recommendation regarding possible legislative or implementation changes, she added.
 
Passed by the Legislature Dec. 31, 2019, the act forbids intervention through infiltration sources in Taiwan’s democratic political system like presidential, vice presidential and civil servant elections and recalls. These are individuals, institutions or organizations affiliated with or sponsored by a government, political party or other political group of a foreign hostile force, including but not limited to China. (YCH-E)
 
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