Taiwanese Lawmaker Targeted by China Addresses Berlin Parliamentary Hearing

In a significant display of international defiance, Taiwanese lawmaker Puma Shen addressed a German parliamentary committee in Berlin on Wednesday, discussing his expertise on disinformation campaigns despite being listed as “wanted” by Chinese authorities.

Shen appeared before the Bundestag’s Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid during a hearing titled “Disinformation by Autocratic States Aiming to Undermine Democracy and Threaten Human Rights.” He was among six experts invited to share insights with the committee of Germany’s lower house of federal parliament.

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Shen explained he was invited in his dual capacity as both a Taiwanese legislator and a specialist in combating disinformation. His presentation centered on China’s disinformation efforts targeting both European nations and Taiwan, while also addressing similar campaigns by Russia and Hungary across Europe.

Shen expressed satisfaction that European countries are increasingly recognizing the threats posed by disinformation and cognitive warfare, while noting his frustration that some in Taiwan remain less concerned about these issues.

Before entering politics as a Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker, Shen was an associate professor at National Taipei University, where he specialized in white-collar crime, disinformation campaigns, and financial crime. He also founded the Kuma Academy, a civil defense organization in Taiwan.

The lawmaker’s appearance in Germany comes amid escalating tensions with Beijing. Last month, China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that Shen is being investigated by the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau for alleged “secession-related” criminal activities. The investigation is being conducted under China’s Criminal Law and its 2024 judicial guidelines for penalizing “Taiwan independence separatists.”

The situation intensified on Sunday when a Chinese legal expert appeared on state-run CCTV suggesting that Shen should be pursued through Interpol and other international judicial assistance agreements. This statement sparked concern among Taiwanese citizens about whether Shen might face arrest and extradition to China while traveling abroad.

Addressing these threats, Shen posted a defiant video message on Facebook from in front of the Bundestag building on Tuesday. “For a very long time, China has been deploying coercive actions to try to silence Taiwanese,” he stated. “But I am here in front of the Bundestag and will soon be speaking at a hearing as a Taiwanese lawmaker.”

“As a brave Taiwanese, I will never draw back in fear,” Shen continued. “I am here today to safeguard not only Taiwan’s democracy but also global democracy and freedom.”

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung offered reassurances on Thursday about Shen’s safety in Germany, emphasizing that all Taiwanese lawmakers receive protection from the foreign ministry and its overseas offices during international travel. Lin highlighted that both Taiwan and Germany operate as democratic nations guided by the rule of law.

The foreign minister also downplayed China’s extradition threats, explaining that such processes are complex and would require judicial cooperation and an extradition treaty with the host country. Additionally, any extradition request would need to meet the host country’s legal requirements.

According to Lin, Taiwan’s government believes China’s threats against Shen are primarily intended to create an illusion of “long-arm jurisdiction” over Taiwan, with the ultimate goal of sowing fear and division among the Taiwanese population.

Shen’s appearance in Berlin represents a noteworthy moment in Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to maintain international engagement and visibility despite increasing pressure from Beijing, which considers the self-governing island part of its territory. The incident also highlights growing global concerns about transnational disinformation campaigns and their potential threats to democratic institutions.