Taiwan lawmakers expected to pass anti-infiltration bill 10 days ahead of elections
- Ruling DPP, which has majority in the legislature, vows to pass controversial bill to criminalise political activities backed or funded by Beijing
- Main opposition KMT calls it a ‘political tool’ used by President Tsai Ing-wen and her government to silence dissent
Taiwan’s legislature is expected to pass a controversial bill on Tuesday to criminalise political activities that are backed or funded by Beijing, 10 days ahead of the island’s presidential election.
Despite mounting criticism from the opposition parties, the ruling, independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party – which has a majority in the legislature – has vowed to pass the anti-infiltration bill, which was sent directly to the floor for review without going through a first reading.
“We have tried in vain to reach a consensus with the [opposition] Kuomintang legislative caucus on the bill in cross-party negotiations, and we will go ahead with the vote for its passage,” DPP caucus whip Ker Chien-ming said on Monday.
Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province that should be brought back under mainland control, by force if necessary.