Prosecutors outline legal guidelines for China trips by local officials

Taipei, Dec. 26 (CNA) The Supreme Prosecutor's Office on Tuesday published criteria for pursuing cases against individuals suspected of breaching Taiwan's election laws by taking "disproportionately subsidized" trips to China.

In a statement, the office said it has instructed all levels of prosecutorial agencies to seek to prosecute individuals organizing trips paid for entirely or in part by Chinese political groups and government agencies during which participants are encouraged to vote in a particular manner.

In addition, individuals organizing or participating in such tours may not campaign on behalf of election candidates in Taiwan, including by giving speeches, holding press conferences, or producing materials in support of a given candidate.

Finally, those who have received instructions or aid from government and nongovernment actors in China cannot ask others to campaign on behalf of election candidates or demand that they vote in a particular way.

Individuals caught committing such acts could face prosecution under the Anti-Infiltration Act, the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act, and the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, the office added.

The office said it had formulated the criteria to guard against Chinese election interference following discussions with law enforcement agencies and the Central Election Commission.

The clarification comes after prosecutors opened investigations into several ward and village chiefs suspected of organizing trips to China to garner support for election candidates in Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the office said individuals releasing fake opinion polls at the instruction of Chinese state and nonstate actors could be jailed for up to 90 months.

The office said that as overseas intervention poses a threat to Taiwan's democracy, prosecutors would be asked to appeal requests to detain suspects denied by the courts.

People who wish to report suspected acts of illegal election interference between Dec. 11 and Jan. 19, 2024, should report the case immediately by dialing 0800-024-099 and selecting extension 4, the office added.

In Taiwan, it is illegal for those participating in elections or supporting candidates to receive aid from "foreign hostile forces," defined as state and nonstate entities that support using nonpeaceful means to endanger the country's sovereignty.