Taiwan police to intensify crackdown on Chinese election interference and local collaborators

During a plenary session, Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang announced that the National Police Agency will step up efforts to prevent election interference by China, organized crime groups and domestic collaborators as Taiwan heads toward its 2026 elections. The remarks responded to DPP legislator Michelle Lin’s accusations that Chinese transnational repression is already affecting Taiwan, citing bullet-proof glass installed for mayoral candidate Puma Shen and alleged surveillance of comedian Huang Yi-hao and pressure on TV host Kevin Tsai.

Premier Cho Jung-tai added that Chinese warships and aircraft have increasingly harassed Taiwan and that a Hong Kong-funded operation against Shen illustrates the threat. Under the Anti-Infiltration Act, a task force has conducted three nationwide crackdowns, resulting in 483 cases, 2,886 suspects and seizures exceeding NT$700 million. Liu urged the Legislative Yuan to expedite amendments to the National Security Act and related laws to give authorities stronger tools. Enhanced security measures will be applied to any candidate experiencing a surge in online or media attacks during the campaign.