Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Taiwan President Calls for More Debate of China 'Infiltration' Bill

Reuters

   TAIPEI, TAIWAN - Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen urged parliament
   Wednesday to have more discussion on a proposed anti-infiltration bill
   that the government says is needed to combat Chinese influence and has
   been condemned by the main opposition and Beijing.

   The legislation is part of a years-long effort to combat what many in
   Taiwan see as Chinese efforts to influence politics and the democratic
   process on the island. China claims Taiwan as its territory, to be
   brought under Beijing's control by force if necessary.

   Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has begun a renewed
   push for the legislation, ahead of presidential and parliamentary
   elections Jan. 11, and it could be passed before the end of the year.

   Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang, which favors close ties
   with China, has condemned the proposed legislation as a "political
   tool" of Tsai and her DPP to gain votes while trying to paint them as
   Chinese Communist Party agents.

   Threats from China

   Speaking at a policy presentation on live television, Tsai said other
   democracies around the world had either already passed or were looking
   at passing such legislation to prevent Chinese interference in their
   internal affairs.

   "Compared to these countries, Taiwan is more directly confronted with
   various threats and infiltration from China," Tsai said.

   But some people at home think this "democratic protection net" is a
   provocation and akin to martial law, she added. "I think this is a very
   negative and undesirable view."

   Those who have concerns about the law need to detail exactly what those
   concerns are and not just sprout empty phrases against it, Tsai said.

   People can have a thorough discussion on this in parliament, she added.

   "I believe that in the Legislative Yuan, as long as everyone sits down
   and has a good talk, there will be plenty of time and space for
   everyone to have a thorough discussion."

   China opposed to law

   Speaking earlier in the day in Beijing, China's policy-making Taiwan
   Affairs Office reiterated its opposition to the bill, saying the DPP
   was trying to "blatantly reverse over" democracy and increase enmity.

   China has repeatedly denied meddling in Taiwan politics.

   The bill was drafted by the DPP and aims to prohibit political
   activities and funding from "foreign hostile forces," generally viewed
   as a reference to China.

   Parliament is scheduled to vote on the bill next week, a move that has
   attracted criticism, not only from the opposition Kuomintang.

   Terry Gou, founder of Apple supplier Foxconn and Taiwan's richest man,
   told a Taiwan television station Tuesday that he would protest himself
   outside parliament if the DPP rushes through the legislation.