Key facts
- Taiwan is probing organized crime links to Chinese "transnational repression" efforts.
- The probe follows an attack on a comedian who mocked President Xi Jinping.
- Taiwanese security official Tsai Ming-yen stated local networks are mostly criminal gangs or private investigation firms.
- Taiwan may need to amend its laws to better deal with China's activities.
- China's Coast Guard activities east of Taiwan are becoming more routine.
- Chinese militia boats have been observed around Taiwan, a significant development.
Taiwan is investigating the connection between organized crime and Chinese efforts to conduct "transnational repression," a security official said on Thursday. This comes after Taiwan's government accused Beijing of orchestrating an attack on a comedian who had mocked President Xi Jinping.
Tsai Ming-yen, Director-General of Taiwan's National Security Bureau, told reporters that the local networks involved in such incidents are primarily criminal gangs or private investigation firms with ties to organized crime. He expressed concern about potential Chinese Communist Party direction and funding behind these groups and stated that dismantling these networks is a key focus.