TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉) on Wednesday reiterated the government’s decision to reject the TPP’s proposal to livestream an upcoming security briefing for opposition leaders.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) announced on May 20 that he had instructed the National Security Council to organize the briefing to help opposition leaders better understand Taiwan’s international security challenges and foster national unity, per Tai Sounds. In response, TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) suggested that, aside from sensitive content, the remainder of the session be broadcast live.
Hsu rejected the proposal, citing the practices of countries such as France and the US. He said that while security briefings are a common mechanism in democratic systems, no country publicly livestreams them due to the sensitivity of the material involved.
He added that if the information being shared was not sensitive, there would be no need for a special briefing in the first place. He emphasized that the data is sourced from confidential international channels and cannot be disclosed publicly without jeopardizing security and diplomatic trust.
Hsu explained that the briefing was proposed by Lai to promote better cross-party understanding of Taiwan’s external threats. To prevent potential leaks, all participants must sign a non-disclosure agreement, similar to protocols followed for classified legislative briefings.
Hsu also responded to questions about KMT Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling’s (翁曉玲) proposal to disclose the security council’s interactions with international figures. He noted that while numerous national security officials and aides visit Taiwan each year, there is a mutual understanding that such exchanges remain confidential. Revealing those details could prompt diplomatic protests or discourage future cooperation.
Regarding the progress of the upcoming briefing, Hsu said the National Security Council is responsible for coordinating with relevant departments, while communication with opposition parties is being handled by the Office of the President.
Former DPP Legislator Kuo Cheng-liang (郭正亮) suggested on May 25 that the briefing may be politically motivated, per UDN. He argued that Lai could use it as an opportunity to target the KMT and potentially weaken the opposition alliance.
Ma Ying-jeou Foundation Director Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑) also questioned the briefing’s intent on May 26, per UDN. He noted that former Presidents Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) had invited opposition leaders to one-on-one meetings, whereas Lai has not yet extended such an offer.
Hsiao warned that the briefing could pressure opposition leaders into appearing to endorse the government’s policies.
