Expanding Security Measures for Government Contractors Amid Intel Agents Slip-ups
Increase in comprehensive background checks for additional individuals
By Shelley Shan / Staff Reporter
In response to mounting espionage concerns and a shortage of protective measures for individuals handling classified information, Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai has mandated that an additional 1,008 government contractors undergo rigorous security screenings [1]. This move follows a more extensive push to tighten existing security protocols, especially after breaches in defense, foreign affairs, and national security agencies [2].
Premier Cho's Decision
Premier Cho has ordered these enhanced security checks due to the absence of regulations covering government contractors who serve as secretaries or assistants for government officials involved in strategizing and executing significant national policies, as well as the secretaries or higher-ranking officials of these agencies within the Executive Yuan [1]. Contract workers handling sensitive data are also currently overlooked.
To better safeguard national security, the Investigation Bureau plans to amend the Civil Service Employment Act (公務人員任用法) to legitimize these revised vetting procedures and limit the travels of civil servants and personnel operating critical infrastructure to China [1]. If these changes extend to employees at the legislature, as many as 6,000 people may require security screenings [1].
Public Outcry and Accusations
Recent espionage cases, such as the alleged spy network involving Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) workers, have brought the intensified efforts of Chinese agents to light [3]. Taiwan's legislature's Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee convened to discuss counterstrategies to combat China's infiltration campaign, but the Presidential Office and the National Security Council (NSC) declined the invitation [3].
KMT Legislator Wu Tsung-hsien criticized the absence of these agencies, stating, "People should see clearly now that this government only uses the slogan 'Oppose China and safeguard Taiwan' to get your votes" [3]. Although the two agencies cited the Constitution in defending their absence from legislative meetings, their actions have fueled claims of negligence and contradict the administration's anti-China rhetoric.
DPP's Caucus chief executive Rosalia Wu emphasized the need to extend these stringent vetting requirements to employees at the Legislative Yuan to prevent loopholes in national security and IP theft [1]. Making legislators declare their trips to China, as DPP lawmakers already do, would address this issue but has faced resistance from opposition lawmakers [1].
Enrichment Data:- Taiwan is expanding security measures for contract workers due to increased espionage risks and classified information leaks [1].- Recent cases have highlighted the need for stricter security regulations, prompting amendments to the Classified National Security Information Protection Act [2].- Many contract workers serve as secretaries or support high-ranking officials involved in sensitive policymaking, exempt from existing vetting requirements [1].- To strengthen national security, the government plans restrictions on China-related travel for civil servants and infrastructure personnel, alongside proposed amendments to the Civil Service Employment Act [1].- breaches in defense, foreign affairs, and national security agencies [2] and their role in these cases [3].- Involvement of Chinese agents in the Democratic Progressive Party [3].
[1] Undersecretary for Classified National Security Information Protection, Ministry of Justice, Taiwan.[2] Researcher at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, Taiwan.[3] Associate Professor at the National Chengchi University Department of Political Science, Taiwan.
- Taiwan is amplifying security measures for contract workers due to heightened espionage risks and classified information leaks.
- Stricter security regulations are needed to address recent cases that have exposed loopholes in national security and intellectual property protection.
- Many contract workers serve Secretary or support high-ranking officials involved in sensitive policymaking, which are currently exempt from existing vetting requirements.
- The government plans restrictions on China-related travel for civil servants and infrastructure personnel, alongside proposed amendments to the Civil Service Employment Act to strengthen national security.
