Premier to look into alleged defection

Premier Chang Chun-hsiung (張俊雄) confirmed yesterday that he had ordered an investigation into a news report which claimed a retired military officer had defected to China and was working for the People's Liberation Army.

"I have ordered the Ministry of National Defense to investigate this case and it will come up with a comprehensive written report," Chang told reporters.

Unidentified intelligence sources said a retired Taiwanese lieutenant-colonel had defected to China and was now a colonel in the People's Liberation Army.

National security authorities warned that the case could be part of a bigger plot on Beijing's part to lure retired Taiwanese military servicemen.

In the evening, the ministry of defense released a brief statement dismissing the news report as "untrue" and regretted what it called the "sorry practice" by the media of quoting unidentified sources for stories that may be detrimental to military morale.

The ministry also denied that a series of meetings had been held to deal with the reported defection.

Earlier in the day, the Mainland Affairs Council said it was keeping a close watch on the allegation.

"Authorities concerned are looking into the reported defection, which, if true, blatantly defies rules governing cross-strait exchanges," John Deng (鄧振中), vice chairman of the council, said during a news conference.

He called on the public, particularly those having access to sensitive government information, to stay loyal to the country after retirement, adding that it was their obligation to do so. Existing codes bar any Taiwan nationals from taking jobs in official Chinese institutions without permission. Violators are subject to a fine ranging from NT$100,000 to NT$500,000.

Deng admitted that the country needed effective measures to prevent retired military and police officers from straying off legal bounds in this particular regard.

But he added that since the concern is not regarded as "urgent," no steps have been taken to close the loophole. "Perhaps we should think twice about the matter," Deng said. "The council is closely monitoring the development."

In a bid to bring Taiwan to heel, Beijing has wooed retired military officers who, over the decades, have been taught to defend Taiwan and strive for eventual unification with the China.

To ensure their allegiance, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) has made frequent visits to military bases and academies nationwide since taking office last year.

Also See Ex-officers inside