Taiwan’s anti-infiltration bill is passed as opposition lawmakers protest
- Legislation criminalises political activities backed or funded by ‘hostile external forces’ – referring to mainland China
- Critics say it could have a chilling effect on the island, while Beijing accuses the ruling DPP of seeking electoral gain and creating enmity
Taiwan’s independence-leaning lawmakers have pushed through a controversial bill in the final legislative session of the year that critics say could have a chilling effect on the self-ruled island and worsen ties with Beijing.
The anti-infiltration bill, which criminalises political activities backed or funded by “hostile external forces” – referring to mainland China – was passed by the Democratic Progressive Party-controlled legislature after it was put to a vote on Tuesday.
“The voting result shows 67 of those present in favour of passing the bill against zero opposing it,” legislative speaker Su Jia-chyuan said in an announcement afterwards.
The ruling DPP said the legislation aimed to combat efforts by Beijing to influence politics and the democratic process on the island, including through illicit funding of politicians, and the media.