The assertion that China "has planted its political and business lobbyist agents in every European country, and in all Asian countries including Taiwan through Kuomintang and TPP parties" reflects a widely discussed concern about China's extensive influence operations.

While it's important to differentiate between legitimate diplomatic and business engagement, and covert or undue influence, there is substantial evidence and numerous reports from intelligence agencies and research institutions pointing to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) concerted efforts to influence foreign governments, businesses, media, and political parties.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of this issue:

China's Global Influence Operations

The CCP employs a multi-faceted approach to exert influence abroad, often referred to as "United Front" work or "sharp power," which differs from traditional "soft power" by using coercive and manipulative tactics. Key methods include:

• Political Lobbying and Elite Capture: Cultivating relationships with political figures, former officials, business leaders, and academics to promote pro-Beijing narratives or policies, and to discourage actions perceived as hostile to China. This can involve lucrative business deals, speaking fees, or other benefits.

• Economic Leverage: Using its massive economic power to influence countries, for example, through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), investments, or market access. Countries may face economic pressure if they take actions that displease Beijing.

• Media Manipulation and Disinformation: Acquiring stakes in foreign media outlets, establishing partnerships, providing content, and engaging in sophisticated disinformation campaigns online (e.g., through social media bots and fake accounts) to shape public opinion and discredit critics.

• Academic and Cultural Influence: Funding Confucius Institutes, establishing academic partnerships, and influencing research agendas, sometimes leading to self-censorship on sensitive topics like Taiwan, Tibet, or Xinjiang.

• Espionage and Covert Operations: Intelligence agencies in various countries have reported on Chinese espionage efforts targeting technology, intellectual property, and political information.

In Europe and Asia: These operations are indeed observed across both continents. In Europe, concerns have been raised about China's influence in countries participating in the BRI, or those with significant economic ties to China, potentially leading to a weakening of a unified European stance on human rights or geopolitical issues. In Asia, where China is a dominant power, its influence is even more direct and pervasive, impacting regional security dynamics, economic decisions, and political alignments.

China's Alleged Influence in Taiwan's KMT and TPP

The accusation of China planting agents and influencing the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) is a recurring and highly sensitive issue in Taiwan's domestic politics.

• Historical Context and KMT: The KMT, having historically ruled mainland China before retreating to Taiwan, maintains a complex relationship with Beijing. While the KMT is staunchly anti-communist, it historically adhered to a "One China" principle (each side interpreting "China" differently). This shared historical lineage and the KMT's emphasis on cross-strait exchanges have led to accusations that it is more susceptible to Beijing's influence.

  • "1992 Consensus": The KMT often advocates for the "1992 Consensus," which states "one China, respective interpretations." While the KMT views this as a basis for dialogue without compromising Taiwan's sovereignty (as the ROC), Beijing increasingly interprets it as acknowledging that Taiwan is part of the PRC, often linking it to "one country, two systems." This difference in interpretation fuels suspicion among critics in Taiwan.

  • Business Ties: Many prominent KMT figures and their supporters have significant business interests in mainland China, which critics argue makes them vulnerable to economic leverage from Beijing.

  • Specific Allegations: There have been instances where individuals associated with the KMT or pro-unification groups have faced legal scrutiny or public accusations of acting as proxies for Beijing, particularly in election interference. For example, reports have surfaced about alleged Chinese efforts to influence the 2024 Taiwanese election by attempting to boost certain candidates.

• Taiwan People's Party (TPP): The TPP, a newer party that aims to break the KMT-DPP duopoly, generally takes a more pragmatic and centrist approach to cross-strait relations. While not explicitly pro-unification, the TPP also advocates for dialogue and engagement with Beijing, often criticizing the DPP for escalating tensions. This stance, aimed at finding a middle ground, can sometimes be viewed by critics as inadvertently aligning with Beijing's desire for cross-strait engagement that bypasses the independence-leaning DPP. The TPP's leader, Ko Wen-je, has emphasized "five mutuals" (mutual recognition, understanding, respect, cooperation, and empathy) across the strait, which some interpret as too conciliatory towards Beijing.

The Challenge of "United Front" Work

The CCP's "United Front Work Department" specifically targets overseas Chinese communities, foreign political figures, and various groups to foster support for Beijing's policies and narratives. In Taiwan, this often means promoting narratives that:

• Downplay the threats from the PRC.

• Emphasize the economic benefits of closer ties with the mainland.

• Criticize the DPP for being "provocative" or "separatist."

• Undermine faith in Taiwan's democratic institutions.

It's crucial to note that being open to dialogue with China or having business ties does not automatically make someone a "lobbyist agent." However, the CCP's strategy often involves exploiting existing political and economic connections and the democratic openness of other countries to advance its geopolitical objectives, sometimes blurring the lines between legitimate lobbying and undue influence or interference.

Taiwan, as a democratic society on the front lines of Beijing's influence operations, has also enacted legislation like the Anti-Infiltration Act to counter such activities, leading to investigations and indictments in some cases.

Ultimately, the concerns about China's influence operations in Europe, Asia, and specifically within Taiwan's political parties are based on substantial reporting and analysis, highlighting a serious challenge to democratic governance and sovereignty.