The Taiwanese military retiree pilot Shijun Cheng was reported by the media to have been recruited by the mainland to develop organizations in Taiwan and hand over sensitive information such as air-launched Yun-3 missiles (referred to as missiles in the mainland) to the Chinese Communist Party. The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China pointed out that this demonstrates that the CCP’s infiltration efforts towards Taiwan have not ceased. A few officials and soldiers betraying the country illegally are likely to face the condemnation of the people.
According to the Mirror Weekly, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Shijun Cheng of the Taiwanese military was absorbed by the mainland to make contact with active-duty military personnel to gather intelligence. In 2021, he made contact with Xu Zhancheng, an intercept and control officer at the Air Force Tactical Control Center, and tempted him to provide military training data, confidential documents on the improvement of shipborne Yun-3 missiles entrusted by the Ministry of National Defense to the Institute of Science, as well as the response strategies for Chinese military interference with Taiwanese military aircraft.
The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China issued a statement today (12th) stating that in January 2023, the Political Warfare Bureau received reports from officials and soldiers. The man surnamed Shi posed as a member of an American think tank and attempted to make contact with active-duty personnel to gather intelligence. The Ministry of National Defense promptly reported to the National Security Bureau and conducted a special investigation led by the Integrated Command Headquarters of Military Police. In August 2024, the case was referred to the Taichung Branch of the Prosecutor’s Office for investigation.
The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense explained that the entire case was promptly investigated, and the judicial authorities were approached for investigation, with control measures being implemented in advance to minimize damage. The Taichung Branch of the Prosecutor’s Office separately brought charges under the National Security Law, National Intelligence Law, and Anti-Corruption Act.
The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense emphasized that in light of the current security situation, the CCP’s infiltration efforts towards Taiwan have not ceased. A few officials and soldiers betraying the country illegally are likely to face the condemnation of the people. In addition to actively combating espionage activities, the military will maintain constant vigilance through defense education, building awareness of patriotism among officials and soldiers. Close cooperation with the national security intelligence team will be crucial to enhance the country’s security resilience and exercise integrated defense functions.