Methods used by China included underground financial institutions that demanded classified military data as a form of debt repayment from military officers.
 "Taiwan accuses China of influencing elections and meddling in media")
Ani Asia
Taiwan’s National Security Bureau and Ministry of Culture have accused China of trying to interfere in Taiwan’s democratic process, including by influencing elections and meddling in the media, Taiwan News reported on Wednesday.
The National Security Bureau (NSB) said China was inviting local politicians with the aim of influencing the election, while the Ministry of Culture (MOC) reportedly said it would submit a report on alleged attempts by Chinese journalists to interfere in Taiwanese media.
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Officials from the Mainland Affairs Council, National Security Bureau, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau are due to submit a report to the Legislative Yuan by July 4 detailing the findings of their investigations into alleged Chinese interference in Taiwan’s elections and media.
According to Taiwan News, the methods used by China included underground financial institutions demanding classified military data as a form of debt repayment by military officers.
During election season, Beijing funds visits to China by local politicians in an attempt to influence voting, while also spreading reports of measures that it believes are favorable for Taiwanese businesses.
The National Security Bureau (NSB) reported that prosecutors have filed 39 indictments in 84 cases in the past year, signaling an upward trend in challenges to Taiwan’s national security, Taiwan News reported citing CNA.
The Commerce Department is reportedly investigating allegations of interference by Chinese journalists in Taiwan on television talk shows.
Citing CNA, Taiwan News reported that seven Chinese media companies have stationed a total of 10 correspondents in Taiwan.
The investigation focused on a former reporter from the Chinese state news agency Xinhua News Agency who was allegedly involved in the production of the TV show, but had already left Taiwan because Chinese correspondents were issued a press card valid for three months with one extension.
The Commerce Ministry said it would release the results of its investigation into the former Chinese journalist within a week, Taiwan News reported, citing Radio Taiwan International (RTI) news agency.
The investigation focused on both the Taiwanese media outlet UDN, which invited the correspondent, and his employer, Xinhua News Agency, and the Commerce Ministry said two Taiwan-based journalists from the Chinese news agency were also invited to discuss the issue.
