Taipei — Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has criticized a retired naval officer for remarks supporting Beijing after he attended a Chinese naval event, and said it will investigate whether his actions violated laws while backing proposed legal changes, local media reported.
Chinese outlets reported that former lieutenant commander Lu Li-shih visited Chinese naval vessels in Qingdao during celebrations for the 77th anniversary of the Chinese Navy. During the visit, Lu toured a guided‑missile destroyer and a frigate and told state media he praised the People’s Liberation Army’s progress, described recognition of the “motherland” as beneficial to Taiwan’s security by framing both sides as “one family,” and commended the Urumqi warship’s maintenance and organization as evidence of PLA readiness.
The MAC said individuals have at times used PLA‑related activities to shape public opinion in Taiwan and erode democratic values. It announced it would examine whether Lu’s conduct breached existing regulations and voiced support for proposed revisions to the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, which would add penalties for certain actions by retired military personnel. The council urged public backing for those changes, according to the Taipei Times.
Taiwan’s Veterans Affairs Council also denounced Lu’s behavior as inconsistent with the military’s duty to defend the nation, a breach of military ethics and public trust, and expressed support for the suggested legal reforms.
This report is based on syndicated material as published and received by local outlets.
