In a landmark national security ruling, Taiwan’s Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the convictions of 10 individuals involved in an espionage and propaganda operation orchestrated by Beijing. The central figure in the case, Lee Hui-hsin (李慧馨), a religious leader and head of a temple in New Taipei’s Luzhou District, was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison for her role in producing psychological warfare “surrender videos” using Taiwanese military personnel.
This high-profile case has raised alarm over the scale and tactics of Chinese influence operations in Taiwan, highlighting the vulnerability of military personnel to targeted recruitment through religious, social, and financial channels.
🇹🇼 Background and Operation Details:
According to the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office, Lee used her temple as a front for cross-strait “religious exchanges,” which she exploited to travel to China and receive orders from Chinese intelligence handlers. Her mission: to establish a pro-China network in Taiwan capable of undermining morale and loyalty within the Taiwanese military.
Investigations revealed that Lee collaborated with organized crime groups and preyed on financially struggling active-duty and retired military members to persuade them to participate in the scheme. The participants were instructed to wear Taiwanese military uniforms, wave the flag of the People’s Republic of China, and record “surrender declarations,” effectively promoting the narrative that Taiwanese forces would not resist a Chinese invasion.
These videos were intended as psychological operations (psy-ops) to demoralize the public and military, especially amid rising cross-strait tensions.
👨⚖️ Court Proceedings and Sentences:
The Taiwan High Court convicted the group in February 2025, and the Supreme Court’s decision on June 4, 2025, confirms the finality of the sentences. The verdicts include:
- Lee Hui-hsin: 6 years and 8 months for multiple offenses including forming an organization for a foreign power, bribery, and violations of the National Security Act.
- Peng (彭), a retired serviceman: 4 years and 8 months.
- Chang (張), Lin (林), Chen (陳), Liu (劉), Wu (吳) – five active-duty soldiers – were each sentenced between 2 and 5 years for bribery and aiding in espionage.
- Lee Yao (李姚), active-duty soldier: 2 years and 8 months (sentence reduced due to confession and cooperation).
- Chen (陳), non-military: 2 years and 2 months.
- Another Chen (陳), retired military: 6 months for photographing presidential security details.
None of the defendants were allowed to convert their sentences into fines or parole due to the severity of their actions.
🔍 Additional Insight:
Taiwanese national security analysts view the case as part of a broader CCP strategy of hybrid warfare. China’s goal is to erode Taiwanese public confidence and readiness by amplifying internal dissent, weakening institutional loyalty, and projecting the inevitability of unification.
The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated that the plot was uncovered thanks to whistleblowers within the armed forces and a joint intelligence operation involving the Military Police Command, National Security Bureau, and Criminal Investigation Bureau.
Notably, this case shows how China uses a multi-front infiltration strategy: combining ideology, bribery, organized crime, and digital media to undermine Taiwan from within—while maintaining plausible deniability.
🧾 Legal Framework:
The convictions were handed down under Taiwan’s toughest national security laws:
- National Security Act (Articles 2, 7)
- Criminal Code (Articles 109, 111, 132)
- Anti-Corruption Act (Articles 4, 11)
- Criminal Code of the Armed Forces (Articles 20, 22)
- Classified National Security Information Protection Act (Articles 32, 34)
These laws impose strict penalties for leaking military secrets, bribery, and acting on behalf of a foreign hostile power.
📌 FAQs
Why were the surrender videos considered so dangerous?
They serve as psychological tools aimed at weakening Taiwan’s military and public morale, promoting a false narrative that resistance to China is futile.
Why did military personnel participate?
Many were targeted due to financial hardship or emotional vulnerability. They were promised money or protection in return for participating.
What will happen to the temple Lee Hui-hsin operated?
The government may consider further investigations into religious institutions being used as fronts for foreign infiltration.
Are such operations common?
Yes, Taiwan has seen increasing cases of “cognitive warfare”, cyberattacks, and espionage operations by China over the past few years.
Can victims of such propaganda sue for damages?
In some cases, civil lawsuits can be pursued against estates or related institutions involved in national security breaches.
