TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said it opposes former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) proposed amendments to relax the Anti-Infiltration Act at a press conference on Monday (April 22).
Ma’s statement came following his 11-day visit to China on April 1-11, per CNA. DPP Spokesperson Justin Wu (吳崢), party member Wang Yi-chuan (王義川), and Legislator Shen Pao-yang (沈伯洋) held a press conference on Monday, criticizing Ma’s proposals.
Wu said that Ma’s proposal to amend the Anti-Infiltration Act after his visit to China was suspiciously timed, raising doubts about whether there was consultation or exchange of opinions with the Chinese side. Eric Chu (朱立倫) and other Kuomintang (KMT) legislators also supported loosening the law, reported CNA.
With Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁) planning a high-profile visit to China this week during the legislative session, there are concerns about whether further discussions on amending the law will take place, Wu said. “It is highly inappropriate for the KMT to discuss domestic legislation in Taiwan with China,” he added.
“There are numerous examples of China’s interference in Taiwan, including bribery, espionage organizations in Taiwan-owned businesses, and retired generals echoing unification propaganda,” Wu commented. “Shouldn't such behavior be regulated by the Anti-Infiltration Act?”
Shen said that most of the provisions of the Anti-Infiltration Act are enhancements of existing regulations. “For instance, behaviors such as violating political donation rules, lobbying, and campaign assistance are already regulated. When it’s discovered that these violations are backed by instructions, commissions, or funding from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the penalties are increased,” the DPP legislator said.
Shen cautioned that Ma’s trip to China and Fu’s planned trip could be setting a legal framework. “We must be vigilant against any attempts by China to break our legal framework. We must closely observe Fu’s visit to China to see how the KMT collaborates with the CCP,” he stressed.