Taiwan's Security Chief Challenges All Parties to Face China Reality

Liu Shyh-fang, Taiwan's Interior Minister and the island's most senior homeland security official, has issued an unprecedented call for political unity in the face of escalating Chinese pressure. In an exclusive interview with Nikkei Asia, the minister—who is personally banned from entering mainland China—delivered a stark message: all of Taiwan's major parties must prioritize national security over partisan politics.

The timing of Liu's comments is particularly significant. As Taiwan grapples with everything from Chinese app infiltration to expanded military exercises around the island, the minister's appeal transcends traditional party lines. His target isn't just the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and its allies, but all three major political parties that shape Taiwan's democratic landscape.

The Security Challenge Across Party Lines

Liu's message represents a rare moment of bipartisan urgency in Taiwan's often fractured political environment. The minister oversees everything from the recent RedNote app ban to counter-infiltration efforts, placing him at the center of Taiwan's evolving security apparatus.

The challenge facing Taiwan's political establishment is multifaceted. Beijing's pressure campaign has evolved beyond traditional military posturing to include digital infiltration, economic coercion, and sophisticated influence operations. These threats don't respect party boundaries—they target Taiwan's democratic institutions as a whole.

For the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), currently in power, Liu's comments serve as validation of their hardline approach toward Beijing. But his inclusion of all parties in the security equation suggests that even the ruling party may need to adjust its strategies.

The KMT, traditionally more Beijing-friendly, faces perhaps the greatest challenge. Recent reports of planned "think tank exchanges" between the KMT and the Chinese Communist Party have drawn scrutiny. Liu's call for the KMT to "face up to threats from China" directly challenges the party's historical approach to cross-strait relations.

Beyond Partisan Politics: A Test of Democratic Resilience

What makes Liu's intervention particularly noteworthy is his emphasis on institutional responsibility over political advantage. As someone personally sanctioned by Beijing—barred from entering mainland China—he brings credibility to discussions about Chinese threats that transcends partisan positioning.

The minister's portfolio spans both domestic security and the complex challenge of maintaining Taiwan's democratic openness while defending against authoritarian influence. This dual responsibility places him at the intersection of Taiwan's most pressing dilemmas: How do you protect democracy without undermining its core values?

Recent developments underscore the urgency. Taiwan has rushed to enhance radar and surveillance capabilities at sea, while concerns grow about potential military scenarios following events like the U.S. raid in Venezuela. The security environment is shifting rapidly, requiring political adaptation that traditional party positions may not accommodate.

The Global Stakes of Domestic Unity

Liu's call for political unity comes as international observers warn that Taiwan's internal divisions could undermine global support. Foreign officials have expressed concern that political clashes between the DPP and KMT might weaken international confidence in Taiwan's stability and resolve.

This dynamic creates a feedback loop: domestic political divisions potentially weaken international support, which in turn could embolden Beijing's pressure campaign. Breaking this cycle requires exactly the kind of cross-party cooperation Liu is advocating.

The minister's approach also reflects Taiwan's unique position in global geopolitics. Unlike many nations that can afford internal political divisions on security matters, Taiwan's survival depends on maintaining both domestic cohesion and international credibility simultaneously.