Military proposes punishing personnel who swear allegiance to China

Taipei, March 10 (CNA) Active duty military personnel in Taiwan could face up to seven years in prison for pledging allegiance to China, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Monday.

Under the MND's proposal, Article 24 of the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces would be amended to codify punishments for active duty military personnel who "express their allegiance to the enemy through words, actions, writings, pictures, and digital records."

In a news release, the MND said the proposed amendment is meant to curb the rampant increase in Taiwanese military personnel engaging in espionage activities on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

According to the MND, the CCP regularly uses coercion and promises of high monetary rewards to induce active-duty Taiwanese soldiers into swearing allegiance to the CCP by signing written documents, making videos and committing other acts.

This has seriously damaged Taiwan's national security, the MND said.

The MND called on military personnel to be loyal to their country and fulfill their duties in accordance with the Constitution and related laws.

Only a small number of Taiwanese soldiers have been found committing treason, and these individuals are facing legal consequences accordingly, the MND added.

Currently, Article 24 stipulates military personnel who surrender to an enemy will face the death penalty or a prison sentence between 10 years and life.

The article also states that a serviceperson found in dereliction of duty who surrenders to an enemy will face a maximum of seven years in prison.

The proposed amendments will have to clear the Cabinet and legislative floor before taking effect.