Taiwan lawmaker Hsiao Chia-chin is suspected of leaking confidential information. The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported this case to the Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office. Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu expressed sadness on the matter on the 8th, acknowledging the potential impact on the relationship between the executive and legislative branches. However, he emphasized the necessity of taking relevant measures to prevent further harm. Considering the involvement of national interests, the documents were classified as “confidential,” and their public disclosure could offer the Chinese Communist Party more ways to undermine Taiwan’s interests in foreign affairs.
In an interview on a morning radio program on the 8th, Joseph Wu expressed deep sadness and recognized the significant impact on the relationship between the executive and legislative branches. He highlighted Taiwan’s unique diplomatic situation and stressed the need for the executive branch to take action to prevent potential harm if similar situations continue to occur.
Explaining the reason behind the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pressing charges against Hsiao Chia-chin, Joseph Wu mentioned that the ministry regularly provides confidential documents to the legislature for reference or oversight. The public disclosure of such confidential information could jeopardize national interests, potentially aiding the Chinese Communist Party in further pressuring Taiwan and undermining its diplomatic interests.
According to Joseph Wu, there should be appropriate communication between lawmakers and the executive and legislative branches. Taiwan is a sovereign nation, and historically, lawmakers have refrained from disclosing classified information. Upon discovering the public disclosure by Hsiao Chia-chin without prior knowledge, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was taken aback.
Regarding the classification of the documents as “confidential,” Joseph Wu explained that after a review by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was determined that the information could impact Taiwan’s national or diplomatic interests, warranting the confidential designation. However, the documents were legally required to be submitted to the Executive Yuan and the Legislative Yuan for review.
Joseph Wu mentioned that the decision to press charges against Hsiao Chia-chin was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after consultation with other government officials and receiving their support. This incident is not the first time the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported a lawmaker, as there have been previous instances of lawmakers forcefully entering the ministry and engaging in physical altercations, leading to the ministry filing charges for assault.