Taiwan's Military Tightens Security: Residency Checks and Restrictions

Defense Ministry Implements New Measures to Safeguard Sensitive Information

The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan has revealed that 62 military personnel were found to hold Chinese residency permits following a recent probe, as reported by Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) during a legislative session in Taipei.

While none of the individuals possessed Chinese passports, ID cards, or permanent residency, the discovery has prompted significant security measures. These personnel are now barred from critical operational centers and units dealing with sensitive information, including intelligence, communications, and research and development, stated Koo.

Additionally, they are restricted from serving as aides to commanding officers and from operating in aviation or naval units. Furthermore, they are prohibited from handling new weapons systems.

The incident follows earlier reports of a sailor, Yang (楊), who unknowingly obtained a Chinese ID card through his mother's application. The Ministry has assisted Yang in declaring his intent to retain his Taiwanese nationality and has reassigned him to a non-sensitive position.

To prevent future occurrences, the Ministry will tighten the screening process for volunteer service members. They will now be required to declare, upon application, that they do not hold dual nationality or residency.

In related news, the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee reviewed draft amendments to the Act of Military Service for Officers and Non-commissioned Officers of the Armed Forces, which aims to strip military pensions from service members convicted of serious offenses. Furthermore, Minister Koo announced the approval of 54 additional positions for the counterintelligence unit, with recruitment underway.

Regarding shipbuilding, when asked about potential cooperation with the United States, Koo indicated that Taiwan "intends to do so," without providing further details.