CCP Attempts to Interfere With Upcoming Taiwan Elections

Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te and running mate Hsiao Bi-Khim pose for a photo after registering for the upcoming presidential election at the Central Election Commission in Taipei, Taiwan, on Nov. 21, 2023. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

News Analysis

As the Taiwanese presidential and legislative elections approach on Jan. 13, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is attempting to influence the results of Taiwan’s elections.

On Dec. 26, the anniversary of the birth of former CCP leader Mao Zedong, a commemorative event was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Chinese leader Xi Jinping touted Mao and took the opportunity to emphasize the need to finish what Mao had started.

In his speech, Xi said the realization of China’s unification is a “historic inevitability.” He claimed that the “one China policy” and the 1992 Consensus should be upheld, and that the development of ties between China and Taiwan would make it impossible for Taiwan to become independent.

Xi’s Ambitions

At the APEC summit in San Francisco in November 2023, Xi also told U.S. President Joe Biden that Beijing would realize the unification of Taiwan and China, but the exact time frame has not yet been determined. He also claimed that the CCP prefers to take over Taiwan “peacefully rather than by force.”

Xi also expressed concern about Taiwan’s upcoming presidential election. When President Biden asked the CCP to respect Taiwan’s democratic elections, Xi responded that peace is “all good” but ultimately there needs to be a “solution.” Supporting pro-China political parties to rule in Taiwan is considered a less costly means for the CCP to take over Taiwan.

On the economic and trade front, on Dec. 25, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held a teleconference with the theme of “Strengthening Cross-Strait Industrial Cooperation and Creating a Common Market.”

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Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC, said at the meeting that it is necessary to strengthen cooperation with Taiwan in the industrial sector by adopting policies that would allow the Taiwanese to benefit. He also pushed for mutual recognition of qualifications and certifications and to make Taiwan dependent on China in terms of industrial supply chains.

Propaganda Push

The Institute of Taiwan Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences launched a new quarterly journal “China Taiwan Studies” on Dec. 25. The journal is said to be the first English-language academic journal on Taiwan in China, and it is a part of the CCP’s propaganda push.

In the realm of public opinion, the CCP is currently pressuring the popular Taiwanese rock band Mayday to make pro-China statements ahead of Taiwan’s elections.

Reuters reported that it had obtained an internal security note from Taiwan showing that China’s National Radio and Television Administration had asked Mayday to publicly express support for the CCP’s “one China policy”and to cooperate with the propaganda against Taiwan.

Reuters’ sources in Taiwan said that CCP authorities asked Mayday to provide unspecified “political services,” but Mayday had not agreed. The Chinese authorities launched an investigation against Mayday in December 2023 on allegations of lip syncing during concerts, which was denied by Mayday. Lip syncing is banned in China.

In early December, the CCP also held a working meeting to allocate tasks for propaganda efforts regarding Taiwan. According to Voice of America, it was claimed in the meeting that as Taiwan’s election has reached its final stage, the method of election interference will shift from a comprehensive full-scale influence campaign to a more subtle strategy. Each ministry will coordinate to achieve the best possible result without the international community finding evidence of CCP interference. The strategy involves online propaganda and lucrative deals for Taiwanese civilian groups to visit China.

Current affairs commentator Zhang Tianliang previously said during an interview with NTD: “The issue of Taiwan has nothing to do with China’s national unity, Taiwan’s independence, or territorial disputes, but is about Taiwan’s democratic system. Taiwan and China share the same roots, and if Taiwan can hold elections, why can’t China? Therefore, the CCP hates Taiwan’s democracy and freedom. To the CCP, the existence of a democratic Taiwan contrasts with the authoritarianism and evil of the CCP.”

However, Taiwan’s many presidential elections in the past have shown that the CCP’s various influence campaigns not only failed to achieve their goals, but also aroused the resentment of the Taiwanese people.

The comments made by Xi about Taiwan in the United States also attracted the attention of U.S. elected officials. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) issued a statement calling for a bipartisan effort to contain the CCP. Mr. Graham said he would work with senators from both parties to develop strong defense supplements for Taiwan and to draft a sanctions package that would impose sanctions on China if it invades Taiwan.

Military Leadership Shuffle

On Dec. 25, the CCP Central Military Commission held a promotion ceremony for generals in Beijing. Former navy Chief of Staff Hu Zhongming has been promoted to admiral of the Chinese navy.

Military analyst Xia Luoshan told The Epoch Times on Dec. 28 that former Adm. Dong Jun stepped down from his post after just over two years. The new appointment does not appear like a normal personnel change, and may be related to recent turmoil at the top of the CCP’s military.

Mr. Xia also said: “The recent changes in the CCP’s top military posts are not a planned strategic shuffle, instead it may be a series of political infighting, intelligence leaks, or corruption probes. This may not necessarily be due to the Taiwan strategy, but it will affect it. Since the CCP’s preparation for an attack on Taiwan is its long-term strategic position, any changes in the military during this process may affect the CCP’s military readiness.”