Taiwan Seeks China’s Assistance in Tracing Culprit Behind Bomb Threats

Last Updated on March 9, 2024 12:50 pm

In a surprising turn of events, Taiwan has reached out to China for assistance in identifying the individual responsible for a series of bomb threats targeting several lawmakers, as revealed by Interior Minister Lin Yu-chang on Saturday.

Lawmakers from both opposition and ruling parties have been subjected to threatening messages, demanding varying sums of money under the threat of violence. Notably, Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang was among the targeted politicians, and some threats were purportedly authored using the name of Kaohsiung City Mayor Chen Chi-mai.

The investigation into these threats has unveiled a complex network, with messages routed through multiple countries, including China, according to Lin. Consequently, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) has formally requested China’s cooperation in locating the individual behind these threats, as reported by Radio Taiwan International (RTI).

In response to the escalating situation, the Taiwanese police have heightened security measures for legislators and their workplaces. Lin emphasized that all threats originated from outside the country and assured that law enforcement is committed to upholding the rule of law and apprehending the culprits.

The unprecedented move of seeking cooperation from China in a matter of national security underscores the severity and complexity of the situation. As Taiwan and China navigate this joint effort, the international community watches closely, recognizing the unique circumstances that have prompted this unexpected collaboration in addressing a potential threat to democratic institutions in the region.