Taiwan President Warns Cadets of Chinese Espionage at Cold-War-Era College

On 30 June 2026, President Lai Ching-te addressed the graduation of Fu Hsing Kang College, a military academy on Taipei’s outskirts that belongs to National Defence University. He warned officers that Chinese infiltration, sabotage and espionage target Taiwan’s armed forces and urged them to defend the island’s sovereignty and system. Cadets tossed their caps after the speeches, and ambassadors from Belize, Guatemala and Paraguay – Taiwan’s formal allies – and a de facto Jordanian envoy were present.

The Straits Times

Fu Hsing Kang College was founded in 1951, two years after the Republic of China moved to Taiwan, to train officers in warfare and anti-communism. Its hall bears a Chiang Kai-shek inscription: “I regard the nation’s rise or fall as my own responsibility.” Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory, has never renounced force, and conducts naval and air patrols around the island. Taiwanese officials report a rise in Chinese espionage cases, especially within the military. Analysts note Taiwan supplies over 90 % of advanced logic chips and 60 % of semiconductor manufacturing, underscoring its value.

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Lai called for an awareness of friend and foe amid infiltration, sabotage and espionage. He said only by resisting threats and temptations can Taiwan protect its sovereignty and security. He urged the graduates to oppose communism, guard against infiltration, uphold democracy and freedom, and stressed that the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate. He framed their duty as a responsibility for the nation’s rise or fall.

UsNews and World Report

The address underscores heightened security concerns as Chinese military activity intensifies. Taiwan’s dominance in semiconductors makes the island a prize, raising the stakes for its armed forces. While officials note a trend in espionage, no exact figures have been released, and Beijing has offered no comment on the President’s remarks.

The Straits Times

Sources confirm a rise in espionage but provide no precise figures, and Beijing has offered no comment on President Lai’s remarks.

UsNews and World Report

• “In the face of various threats and challenges, as well as China’s infiltration, division, sabotage, and espionage activities targeting our armed forces, I ask all of you to establish a clear awareness of friend and foe,” — Lai Ching-te, President of Taiwan

The Straits Times

• “Only by resisting all forms of threat and temptation can we defend our nation’s sovereignty and security.” — Lai Ching-te, President of Taiwan

The Straits Times

• “ He urged the graduates to oppose communism, guard against infiltration, firmly uphold democracy and freedom, and insist that the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, using Taiwan’s formal name.” — Lai Ching-te, President of Taiwan

The Straits Times

The commissioned officers will join Taiwan’s forces as Chinese patrols continue, and government has pledged vigilance against espionage.

The Straits Times