News

Alleged spy’s claims of Chinese intervention hit Taiwan presidential poll

Taipei, Dec 6 (EFE).- Startling allegations by a self-confessed Chinese spy, who fled to Australia to spill the beans, has stirred Taiwan’s presidential election campaign after his claims that Beijing was directly interfering in the island nation’s politics.Wang Liqiang, 26, claimed he was assigned to meddle in the election as China’s intelligence agencies were trying to disrupt democracy, not only in Taiwan but also in Hong Kong, an allegation dismissed by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office as “nonsense.”In a TV interview in Australia aired on Nov. 23, Wang claimed that he worked for China Innovation Investment Limited (CIIL), which acted on behalf of Chinese intelligence. Parris Chang, the president of the Taiwan Institute for Political, Economic and Strategic Studies (TIPESS), said Wang’s claims have helped Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and the United States to understand the gravity of the threat China poses in intervening in domestic political matters.“Australia’s government already knows about China’s intentions in manipulating local politics,” he said, referring to allegations that China had financially sponsored some Australian lawmakers.“It (China) encourages its immigrated fellows to take part in elections. All these facts along with this defection will make people in Australia even more alert to China,” Chang said.(Camera: TAIJING WU). FOOTAGE SHOWING B-ROLLS OF THE OFFICE OF PARRIS CHANG, THE PRESIDENT OF THE TAIWAN INSTITUTE FOR POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC STUDIES (TIPESS), IN TAIPEI, TAIWAN, AND HIS INTERVIEW.SOUNDBITES: PARRIS CHANG, THE PRESIDENT OF THE TAIWAN INSTITUTE FOR POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC STUDIES (IN CHINESE).TRANSLATIONS: 1.) Who benefits from that (Wang's defection)? I think several countries do, like Australia, Taiwan, New Zealand, the United States. Everyone has become more and more aware of the threats that China poses. They (Chinese threats) are hidden in many aspects and are not very visible. China tries to benefit others in many ways, and that's how the beneficiary countries are bought (00:37-01:10).2.) I think the Australian government has become increasingly aware of China's actions. (Wang's defection) will help Australia formulate policies to deal with China (within its limits) (01:18-01:43).