Taipei: The Cabinet has unveiled draft amendments to the National Security Act, proposing fines of up to NT$1 million (US$31,721) for those who publicly advocate ending Taiwan’s sovereignty through nonpeaceful means. The proposed changes target individuals whose public expressions, including speech, writing, artwork, or digital records, call for Taiwan’s forcible annexation by a foreign power.

According to Focus Taiwan, the proposal follows the March deportation notices issued to three Chinese nationals married to Taiwanese spouses for posting videos that suggested or supported a potential military takeover of Taiwan by China. This move has sparked public debate over freedom of speech. However, Minister without Portfolio Lin Ming-hsin emphasized at a Cabinet press conference that the proposal aligns with the United Nations’ International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibits “any propaganda for war.”

The amendment specifies that it does not restrict one-to-one conversations, whether in person or online, thus mitigating concerns about infringing on freedom of speech. Depending on the severity of an offense, the Ministry of the Interior may independently or in collaboration with relevant agencies instruct internet service providers to remove or block such content and limit access to noncompliant user accounts.

The proposed changes also include harsher penalties for leaking state secrets to a “foreign hostile force” or its affiliates, with sentences increasing from five to 12 years to at least seven years. Fines would be significantly raised from NT$5 million to NT$10 million and could reach up to NT$300 million. Active military personnel found guilty under the act would face prison terms extended by 1.5 times.

Additionally, a proposed amendment to the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces aims to increase prison terms for active military personnel who surrender to enemies from one to seven years to three to 10 years. Those pledging allegiance to enemies through various forms of expression would face prison terms of one to seven years.

The proposal further stipulates that active or retired military officers who violate the National Security Act or leak state secrets at the behest of a foreign hostile force would forfeit their pensions upon conviction, with any portions already received being recovered.