Taipei, May 13 (ANI) — Taiwan’s government has sharply criticised China after reports that Chinese officials encouraged Taiwanese media organisations to help identify and publicise supporters of Taiwan independence, calling the move part of a wider campaign of cross‑border political intimidation, according to The Taipei Times.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said representatives from several Taiwanese media outlets were recently invited to Beijing and urged to cooperate in exposing what Chinese authorities described as “Taiwan independence separatist activities.” The MAC warned such cooperation could expose journalists and media executives to prosecution under Taiwan’s Anti‑Infiltration Act and National Security Act.
The council said Beijing’s approach risks weaponising Taiwanese media to silence dissent and intimidate citizens. It also stressed that advocacy for Taiwan independence falls within the scope of free speech under Taiwan’s democratic system and should not be criminalised as a cross‑border directive.
The allegations surfaced during the seventh Cross‑Strait Media Summit in Beijing, where Wu Xi, deputy director of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, accused pro‑independence groups of spreading misinformation and stirring hostility toward China. Wu urged media professionals from both sides to counter those narratives through what he termed “truthful reporting” and commentary.
Taiwanese authorities characterised Wu’s remarks and the reported invitations as encouragement for local media to engage in political targeting directed by the Chinese Communist Party. The MAC cautioned that any Taiwanese outlet that helps identify individuals, shares personal data, or circulates so‑called “wanted” notices at Beijing’s behest could face serious legal consequences, including prison terms that, in some cases, could exceed seven years.
The summit reportedly drew more than 100 media executives and academics from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Among attendees was Chou Hsi‑wei, vice chairman of Taiwan’s Want Want Group, whose media holdings include CTi Television and the China Times. Chinese state news agency Xinhua also reported on the gathering.
This report is based on content syndicated from news agency ANI and reporting in The Taipei Times. The Tribune published the syndicated feed as received and assumes no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness.
