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Taiwan Probes Retired Navy Officer Over Pro-Beijing Remarks at Chinese Event

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council is investigating retired naval officer Lu Li-shih for pro-Beijing remarks made at a Chinese military event. The remarks are considered potential "cooperative activity" with Chinese authorities, violating the Cross-Strait Act. Lu stated that "people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family" during the Chinese navy anniversary event. China's Taiwan Affairs Office defended the remarks as genuine national sentiment and criticized Taiwan's proposed legal amendments.

Key Points: Taiwan Probes Retired Navy Officer for Pro-Beijing Remarks

  • Retired Taiwanese naval officer Lu Li-shih investigated for pro-Beijing remarks
  • Comments made at Chinese navy anniversary event in Qingdao
  • Taiwan MAC cites potential violation of Cross-Strait Act Article 33-1
  • China's TAO defends remarks as genuine national sentiment
2 min read

Taiwan probes retired naval officer over pro-Beijing remarks at Chinese military event amid security concerns

Taiwan investigates retired naval officer Lu Li-shih for pro-Beijing comments at a Chinese military event, citing potential violations of the Cross-Strait Act.

"People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family - Lu Li-shih"

Taipei, May 1

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said it will look into pro-Beijing comments made by a retired Taiwanese naval officer during a Chinese military event, stating that such actions could be considered "cooperative activity" with Chinese authorities, which would violate the law, according to Central News Agency.

MAC deputy head and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh said during a regular press briefing in Taipei that remarks made by retired lieutenant commander Lu Li-shih "constitute what we view as cooperative activity."

"We will coordinate with the relevant agencies to investigate this matter," Liang added. Under Article 33-1 of the Cross-Strait Act, Taiwanese individuals and organisations are prohibited from engaging in "any form of cooperative activity" with Chinese entities that are "political parties, the military, the administration or of any political nature," unless approval is granted by the "competent authorities," as cited by CNA.

The law further specifies that such Chinese agencies include those involved in "any political work against Taiwan or affecting national security or interests." Lu's remarks were reported in Chinese media last Thursday, showing him touring naval ships in Qingdao, located in China's Shandong Province, during an event commemorating the 77th anniversary of the Chinese navy, CNA highlighted.

In an interview with China's state-run China News Service, Lu stated that "people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family" and that "a strong motherland means Taiwan is safe." When asked to clarify what qualifies as "cooperative activity," Liang said Lu had been invited by the Chinese side on "multiple occasions" because, as a former captain in the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, he held "propaganda value," according to CNA.

Meanwhile, China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) said on Wednesday that statements made by Taiwanese attendees during the naval event reflected "genuine national sentiment." The TAO also criticised the Democratic Progressive Party government's proposed amendment to the Cross-Strait Act, which would expand coverage to more retired military personnel, accusing the authorities of "violating freedom of speech" and "intimidating and suppressing" individuals participating in cross-strait exchanges, CNA reported.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
It's understandable that Taiwan is taking this seriously. We in India also have concerns about retired military personnel being used by other countries for political purposes. The Cross-Strait Act seems similar to our Official Secrets Act - designed to protect national interests. But at the same time, we shouldn't stifle genuine dialogue between people of both sides. 🤔
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Sarah B
As someone who follows international relations, this case is fascinating. Lu Li-shih's comments about "a strong motherland means Taiwan is safe" are clearly playing into Beijing's narrative. I think Taiwan's government is right to investigate, but they should also be transparent about what does and doesn't constitute 'cooperative activity' - otherwise it looks like controlling speech.
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Ravi K
This is a tricky situation. On one hand, retired personnel have every right to express their personal views. On the other hand, when they attend military events in a foreign country and make statements that align with that country's political agenda, it can be seen as undermining their own nation's sovereignty. I think there should be clear guidelines for retired officers on what is acceptable, rather than punishing them after the fact.
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Nisha Z
The irony is that both sides are using this incident for propaganda. China says it's 'genuine national sentiment', Taiwan says it's a security threat. The reality is that people across the strait have complex feelings, reduced to simplistic talking points by both governments. Let's hope cooler heads prevail and that this doesn't escalate further. 😔
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Michael C
This looks like a clear case of Taiwan protecting its sovereignty. Any nation would be concerned if its retired military personnel were being used by a rival state for propaganda

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