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Taiwanese Lawmaker Addresses German Parliament Despite Chinese Threats
Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Puma Shen addressed a German parliamentary committee on Wednesday, speaking about combating disinformation despite being listed as “wanted” by China for promoting Taiwanese independence.
Shen was among six experts invited to speak at a hearing of the Bundestag’s Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid. The session focused on “Disinformation by Autocratic States Aiming to Undermine Democracy and Threaten Human Rights,” according to information published by Germany’s federal parliament.
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Shen explained he was invited in his dual capacity as a lawmaker and an expert on disinformation. During his address, he detailed how China’s disinformation campaigns have impacted both Taiwan and Europe, while also discussing similar efforts by Russia and Hungary across the European continent.
“I was pleased to see that Europe has been raising awareness about the spread of disinformation and cognitive warfare,” Shen remarked, adding that he felt frustrated that “some people in Taiwan do not share the same concerns.”
Shen brings substantial credentials to the discussion. A former associate professor at National Taipei University, he holds a doctorate in law from the University of California, Irvine, where he specialized in white-collar and financial crime, as well as disinformation campaigns.
His appearance at the German parliament comes amid escalating pressure from Beijing. Last month, China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported that Shen was being investigated by the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau for alleged “secession-related criminal activities” in Taiwan. These activities reportedly include founding the Kuma Academy, a civil defense organization.
The investigation falls under China’s criminal law and judicial guidelines introduced last year specifically targeting “Taiwan independence separatists.” The situation intensified on Sunday when a legal expert on China’s state-run television suggested that Shen should be pursued through Interpol and other international judicial assistance mechanisms.
These statements raised significant concerns in Taiwan about whether Shen could face arrest and extradition to China while traveling abroad. However, Shen has remained defiant. In a video posted to Facebook on Tuesday from Berlin, he stated: “For a very long time, China has been deploying coercive actions to try to silence Taiwanese, but I am here in front of the Bundestag and will soon be speaking at a hearing as a Taiwanese lawmaker.”
Standing in front of the parliament building, he added, “As a brave Taiwanese, I will never draw back in fear. I am here today to safeguard not only Taiwan’s democracy, but also global democracy and freedom.”
Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung assured the public yesterday that Shen’s visit to Germany was secure, emphasizing that all Taiwanese lawmakers receive protection from the ministry and its overseas offices during international travel.
“Taiwan and Germany are both democratic countries guided by the rule of law,” Lin stated in a radio interview. He explained that extradition to China is far more complex than Beijing suggests, requiring judicial cooperation and formal extradition treaties between countries. Additionally, the host country would need to evaluate whether any extradition request complies with its own legal framework.
The Taiwanese government believes that China’s threats against Shen are primarily designed to create an illusion of “long-arm jurisdiction” over Taiwan, with the ultimate goal of generating fear and division among the Taiwanese population.
Shen’s appearance at the Bundestag represents a significant moment in Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to maintain international engagement despite China’s increasing pressure to isolate the island democracy and silence its advocates on the global stage.
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12 Comments
It’s concerning to hear that China has listed Puma Shen as “wanted” for his work in exposing their disinformation tactics. This shows the lengths autocratic regimes will go to silence those who challenge their narratives.
Shen’s bravery in testifying at the German parliament despite the threats from China is admirable. We need more experts willing to speak out and shine a light on these insidious influence operations.
Shen’s testimony highlights the global nature of the disinformation challenge. China’s attempts to interfere in Taiwan and Europe demonstrate the need for coordinated, international responses to these emerging threats.
I hope Shen’s insights will help inform and strengthen Germany and the EU’s efforts to counter foreign propaganda and manipulation. Disinformation knows no borders, so the response must be multinational.
Interesting to learn that Shen sees a disconnect between Taiwan and Europe in terms of concern over disinformation. This highlights the need for greater cross-border collaboration and information-sharing on these issues.
Shen’s dual role as both a lawmaker and disinformation expert likely gives him a unique perspective. I’m curious to hear more about the specific differences he sees between Taiwan and Europe’s approaches to combating this challenge.
Puma Shen’s testimony provides a valuable window into how China’s disinformation campaigns are impacting both Taiwan and Europe. Sharing these insights internationally can help strengthen democratic resilience against such malign influence.
Glad to see Taiwan’s disinformation expert Puma Shen speaking at the German parliament hearing. His insights into China’s influence campaigns could be valuable for Europe’s efforts to combat the spread of misleading information.
It’s encouraging that Europe is taking the threat of autocratic disinformation seriously. Sharing knowledge and strategies across democracies is crucial to protect against these malign influence operations.
It’s concerning to hear that some in Taiwan don’t share the same level of concern over disinformation as Europe. This disconnect could leave Taiwan vulnerable to further manipulation and undermining of its democratic institutions.
Shen’s comments highlight the need for greater public awareness and education around the dangers of disinformation, both in Taiwan and across Europe. Empowering citizens to spot and resist these tactics is crucial.
Shen’s testimony underscores the transnational nature of disinformation threats. As authoritarian regimes like China and Russia seek to sow discord and undermine democracies, a coordinated global response is essential.