The Criminal Investigation Bureau today said it would investigate the source of a false report that Taiwan “bought” its way into speaking at the recent Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) summit.
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) addressed the European Parliament at the annual IPAC summit in Brussels on Friday last week in a speech titled “Taiwan: A Trusted Partner in a Volatile World.”
It was the first time that a Taiwanese vice president had visited a non-allied country and had spoken in the European Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Photo: CNA
Following Hsiao’s return to Taiwan yesterday, rumors erupted online alleging that it was made possible because IPAC was financially supported by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, a non-governmental organization funded by the ministry.
Freedom of speech is protected under the law, but the law also addresses fake information, malicious rumors and messages that incite fear, the National Police Agency said.
The agency said it would investigate such misinformation according to Article 63 of the Social Order Maintenance Act (社會秩序維護法), which declares “spreading rumors in a way that is sufficient to undermine public order and peace” a punishable offense.
People should verify information circulating online and avoid sharing any false information, the agency added.
Asked to comment on the rumors, IPAC founder and executive director Luke de Pulford said it was “fake news” that had been “completely fabricated.”
“The invitation was freely offered by IPAC's cochairs, and freely accepted,” he said. “IPAC is not supported by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, and the notion that a donation or pledge was made by anybody in exchange for this invitation is ludicrous.”
Reiterating that the rumors are false, Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said today that Taiwan has the resilience to overcome Chinese suppression and face the international community with confidence.
IPAC extended an invitation to the ministry more than a month ago, and diplomats worked hard to iron out all the details, Kuo said, adding that their hard work should not be negated by malicious rumors.
The success of the trip shows that Taiwan’s free and democratic society has been recognized by international partners who support its international participation, making Taiwan more confident in its foreign affairs, she said.
It also shows that Taiwan not only holds a significant position in the global supply chain, but is a trusted partner of democratic allies in terms of security and defense, she added.
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