Taiwan Secret Documents Leaked, China Involved?

Taiwan flag. REUTERS

DELTASION.com - In recent news, Friday 21 July 2023, Taiwan has found itself embroiled in a sensitive investigation regarding possible leaks of official documents, including diplomatic cables and classified reports related to its bid to join a global trade pact.

This article delves deep into the unfolding situation, providing a comprehensive overview of the events, investigations, and implications surrounding the leaked documents and China's alleged involvement.

Preliminary Findings and Authenticity

According to reports from Reuters, two officials familiar with the investigation have indicated that parts of the leaked documents, which were posted on the online message board 8kun, appear to be genuine, while other parts may have been forged. However, specific details about the forgeries have not been disclosed yet.

An official source revealed that some of the documents seem "authentic," but the origin of the shared documents remains unclear. The National Security Bureau (NSB) of Taiwan confirmed the investigation into these "suspicious government documents" that surfaced on the internet.

Involvement of China

Given the sensitive nature of the documents and Taiwan's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the NSB is also looking into the possibility of China's involvement in the incident. It is important to note that China claims Taiwan as its own territory and strongly opposes its membership in international organizations independently.

As of now, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued any official statement regarding the leaked documents or its potential role in the matter. The situation adds further strain to the already complex relationship between Taiwan and China.

Contents of the Leaked Documents

The leaked documents posted online comprise a range of sensitive information. Notably, there is a purported "security assessment" from Taiwan's intelligence agency, the National Security Bureau, regarding Taiwan's bid to join the CPTPP. This assessment, dating back to October, provides insights into the challenges and opportunities that Taiwan might face during the accession process.

Additionally, the leaked documents include diplomatic cables from Taiwan's de facto embassies in Japan and Vietnam, focusing on issues related to both China and Taiwan's applications to join the CPTPP. Another significant classified report pertains to Taiwan's trade negotiations with the United States, sent by Taiwan's de facto embassy in Washington.

The Complexity of CPTPP Membership

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a trade pact involving 11 countries: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. With England's impending inclusion, the partnership is set to have a significant impact on the global economic landscape.

While Taiwan and China both signed up in 2021 to join the CPTPP, their applications have raised contentious debates. China staunchly opposes Taiwan's independent participation in international organizations, arguing that Taiwan is an integral part of China and, thus, ineligible for separate membership.

Contrarily, Taiwan asserts its right to participate independently, pointing to its membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the designation "Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu." This issue of sovereignty is at the core of the discord between the two territories.

Taiwan's Sovereign Standpoint

Taiwan, home to approximately 23 million people, steadfastly rejects China's claims of sovereignty. The island nation believes that only the Taiwanese people have the rightful authority to determine their own future and political status. The tension between Taiwan and China has long been a matter of international concern, especially when it comes to Taiwan's global participation and recognition.

Rising Concerns of Hacking and Cyber Attacks

As Taiwan prepares for its presidential election scheduled for January 2024, the island faces growing concerns over hacking and cyber attacks. President Tsai Ing-wen, leading the ruling party, has voiced apprehensions about China's attempts to influence public opinion ahead of the crucial vote.

With the potential to disrupt the democratic process, cyber threats have become a major focus for Taiwan's National Security Bureau and other relevant authorities. Ensuring the integrity of the election and safeguarding sensitive information is of utmost importance.