Taiwan’s latest security measures cut cross-strait travel, prompting pushback

Taiwanese authorities are moving to tighten security protocols on cross-strait travel by expanding oversight to include grass-roots public officials and newly hired staff members of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

At the centre of a growing scandal is former DPP aide Huang Chu-jung, who is under investigation for allegedly using an encrypted messaging app developed on the mainland to leak classified information.

Notably, the information in question involves the travel details of Taiwan’s second most senior official at the time – now the island’s leader – William Lai Ching-te, when he visited Paraguay in August 2023.

Local media reported on Tuesday that prosecutors were alleging that Huang, who once worked for DPP New Taipei City Councillor Lee Yu-tien, also leaked travel plans from Lai’s leadership campaign later the same year, compromising his personal security.

Prosecutors said that through the app, which is not available on the market, Beijing obtained access to Lai’s full daily itinerary – including unannounced meetings with political power brokers, business leaders, and local influencers.

According to the prosecution case, the breaches extended beyond Lai’s office. Other classified information alleged to have been funnelled to the mainland included deputy leader Hsiao Bi-khim’s personal contact list and phone number.

South China Morning Post