The Taiwanese military pledged on Wednesday to intensify anti-espionage efforts while authorities investigate several current and former military officials suspected of spying for China. The Central News Agency reported that a military commander nicknamed Hsiao, based at the Air Force and Special Forces Command, has been arrested on suspicion of leaking defense secrets to foreign powers, including China, and establishing organizations in Taiwan. Investigators searched the command's headquarters located in Taoyuan City in northern Taiwan this week, and four retired army officers along with a broker, also nicknamed Hsiao, are under investigation.
The Taiwan High Court on Monday approved a motion by prosecutors to detain an Army lieutenant colonel and hold him incommunicado on suspicion of recruiting military officers to gather military intelligence for China. In a statement, the Ministry of National Defense indicated that "authorities have gathered concrete evidence of illegal activities." They added, "In the face of infiltration by the Communist Party of China, national forces will continue to enhance anti-espionage education and raise awareness."
