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Taiwanese Authorities to Prosecute Two Men for Spreading False Claims About VP Hsiao’s Brussels Speech
Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau announced Wednesday it will refer two Taiwanese men to a summary court for allegedly spreading false information about Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s recent speech in Brussels.
The controversy emerged following Hsiao’s historic address at the European Parliament on November 7, which coincided with the annual Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) summit. Upon her return to Taiwan early Sunday, authorities were alerted to misleading content circulating online regarding the nature of her appearance.
According to the CIB, investigators identified a 53-year-old man surnamed Lu as the creator of a meme containing fabricated claims about Hsiao’s speech. The image falsely suggested that Hsiao had used public funds to rent the venue and sponsor the IPAC meeting.
A second individual, a 41-year-old man surnamed Chen, allegedly shared the meme on social media platforms with an added claim that “France’s BBC reported Taiwan donated 8 billion euros (US$8.97 billion) in exchange for a speech,” further amplifying the misinformation.
When confronted by reporters at Taoyuan International Airport upon returning from Japan on Wednesday, Chen defended his actions, claiming he had shared the post because he found it “funny” and considered it “satire.” He added that he did not believe his actions were illegal.
The Presidential Office responded swiftly to the situation on Sunday, requesting that law enforcement authorities investigate what they described as “fabricated content” spreading online. The rapid response highlights growing concerns in Taiwan about disinformation campaigns, particularly those targeting government officials and diplomatic activities.
IPAC founder and executive director Luke de Pulford decisively refuted the rumors when contacted by the Central News Agency (CNA). He described the claims as “fake news” and “completely fabricated,” emphasizing that the invitation for Hsiao to attend the summit was “freely” extended with no financial considerations involved.
The speech represented a significant diplomatic milestone for Taiwan, as it marked the first time a Taiwanese vice president had visited a non-allied country and addressed the European Parliament, according to Taiwan’s foreign ministry. Taiwan maintains official diplomatic relations with only 13 countries globally, making high-level visits to non-allied nations particularly noteworthy.
The CIB stated that the two men may have violated Taiwan’s Social Order Maintenance Act, which prohibits “spreading rumors in a way that is sufficient to undermine public order and peace.” If convicted, they could face up to three days’ detention or a fine of up to NT$30,000 (US$957).
This case emerges amid growing international focus on Taiwan’s diplomatic positioning and escalating concerns about disinformation campaigns targeting the democratic island. Taiwan has been increasingly vigilant about false information spreading online, particularly as it navigates complex geopolitical tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory.
The prosecution sends a clear message about the government’s stance on disinformation that could potentially undermine Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts or public trust in government officials. It also highlights the challenges democratic societies face in balancing free speech protections with the need to combat harmful misinformation.
As Taiwan continues to expand its international presence despite diplomatic isolation, high-profile appearances like Hsiao’s speech at the European Parliament remain sensitive topics that attract both legitimate public interest and, as this case demonstrates, targeted misinformation.
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6 Comments
Spreading false claims about public officials is unacceptable. I’m glad the authorities are taking action to address this misinformation. Transparent and accurate information is crucial for a healthy democracy.
Fabricating information to discredit a leader’s speech is concerning. I hope the investigation leads to appropriate consequences for those responsible. It’s important to rely on credible sources, not social media rumors.
While I’m not familiar with the details of this specific case, I believe it’s crucial for public officials to be held accountable for their actions. However, it’s also important to ensure due process and avoid jumping to conclusions based on unverified claims.
This is an important reminder of the need for digital literacy and fact-checking. In the age of social media, it’s all too easy for misinformation to spread rapidly. I’m glad the authorities are addressing this issue proactively.
While I understand the desire to question public figures, making up false claims is counterproductive. I hope this case serves as a reminder to verify information before sharing it online, especially regarding sensitive political matters.
It’s good to see authorities taking these false claims seriously. Spreading disinformation, even on social media, can undermine public trust. I hope this investigation sends a clear message about the importance of factual, responsible reporting.