TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) may attempt to interfere with President-elect Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) May 20 inauguration by hacking into websites and electronic billboards and sabotaging the southern power grid.
An official told Liberty Times on Thursday (May 9) that Chinese hackers may try to hack government websites and public screens on May 20, inserting sarcastic congratulatory messages or pro-CCP propaganda to try and embarrass Lai.
Since the January elections, China has increased pressure on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The official said they have also sought information about the content of Lai's inauguration speech through academics in Hong Kong and Macau.
The official assessed China would not carry out any major military exercises before May 20, but that they might try to disrupt the inauguration.
He also said China could try and disrupt power in Tainan, where the presidential banquet will be held. The official warned relevant units should be prepared to respond accordingly.
He emphasized that if China is not satisfied with the content of Lai's inaugural speech, further actions could be taken. Tariff reductions for specific items under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) could be suspended.
On the diplomatic front, in the first year of the new president's tenure, as is customary, there may be overseas visits, and the CCP may once again entice allies to sever ties with Taiwan to undermine Lai.
