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Taiwanese Legislator Defies Chinese Threats, Addresses German Parliament on Disinformation
Taiwanese legislator Puma Shen, recently designated as “wanted” by Chinese authorities for his advocacy of Taiwan’s independence, addressed a German parliamentary committee in Berlin on Wednesday, highlighting efforts to combat state-sponsored disinformation campaigns.
Shen was one of six specialists invited to speak before the Bundestag’s Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid during a session focused on “Disinformation by Autocratic States Aiming to Undermine Democracy and Threaten Human Rights.” The session underscored growing international concern about the systematic spread of false information by authoritarian regimes.
Speaking after the committee hearing, Shen explained he had been invited in his dual capacity as both a Taiwanese lawmaker and an expert in countering disinformation. During his presentation, he detailed the far-reaching impact of China’s disinformation operations targeting both European nations and Taiwan, while also addressing similar efforts by Russia and Hungary across the European continent.
“Europe is increasingly recognizing the serious threats posed by disinformation and cognitive warfare,” Shen noted, while expressing concern that “some individuals in Taiwan do not share these concerns,” according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA).
Shen, a Democratic Progressive Party member, previously worked as an associate professor at National Taipei University, where he specialized in white-collar crime, disinformation initiatives, and financial crime. His academic background has informed his current political work in countering foreign influence operations.
The legislator’s appearance in Germany comes amid heightened tensions with Beijing. China’s Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau has placed Shen under investigation for alleged “secession-related” crimes, including his establishment of Kuma Academy, a civil defense organization in Taiwan. This investigation is proceeding under China’s Criminal Law and recently implemented judicial guidelines specifically targeting “Taiwan independence separatists.”
The situation escalated when a Chinese legal scholar appeared on state-run CCTV suggesting that Shen should be pursued through Interpol and other international judicial assistance agreements, potentially leading to his arrest and extradition to China if he traveled abroad. These threats have sparked significant concern in Taiwan regarding the safety of government officials and activists while traveling internationally.
Defiant in the face of these threats, Shen addressed the intimidation attempts in a Facebook video filmed outside the Bundestag building on Tuesday. “For a significant period, China has employed coercive methods to attempt to silence Taiwanese voices,” he stated. “Yet, here I stand before the Bundestag and will be addressing a hearing as a Taiwanese legislator.”
Shen further emphasized his determination, stating, “As a courageous Taiwanese, I will never retreat in fear. I am here today to defend not just Taiwan’s democracy but also global democracy and freedom.”
The incident highlights the increasingly assertive stance China is taking toward Taiwan, which it considers a breakaway province despite the island’s self-governance since 1949. Beijing’s efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically have intensified in recent years, including pressuring countries to cut formal ties with Taipei and restricting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
During a radio interview, Shen pointed out that extradition from a democratic nation to China is not as straightforward as Beijing suggests, as such actions would require judicial cooperation and extradition treaties with host nations. Germany, like most Western democracies, does not have an extradition agreement with China.
Shen’s appearance before the German parliament represents a significant moment in Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to maintain international visibility and partnerships despite China’s attempts to limit its global engagement. It also underscores the growing concern among democratic nations about the corrosive effects of state-sponsored disinformation on democratic institutions and human rights worldwide.
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7 Comments
China’s aggressive tactics to silence dissent and criticism, even beyond its borders, are troubling. Legislators and experts must continue to shed light on these deceptive practices that undermine democratic values.
Absolutely. Exposing and countering state-sponsored disinformation is crucial for protecting human rights and preserving democratic institutions.
It’s good to see the German parliament taking this issue seriously and inviting a range of specialists to discuss the threat of disinformation from autocratic states. International cooperation is essential to combat this challenge.
The Taiwanese legislator’s willingness to speak out, despite the risks, is admirable. Confronting state-sponsored disinformation campaigns requires courage and a steadfast commitment to the truth.
This is an important reminder that the fight against disinformation extends far beyond just one country or region. Coordinated global efforts are needed to address the complex web of false information spread by authoritarian regimes.
Agreed. Disinformation knows no borders, so a united, multinational response is crucial to protect democratic institutions and human rights worldwide.
Courageous move by the Taiwanese legislator to address the German parliament on such an important issue, despite threats from China. Disinformation campaigns by authoritarian regimes are a growing global concern that needs to be tackled.