KARACHI, Pakistan / ISTANBUL 

Taiwan's leader Lai Ching-te on Thursday announced a multi-faceted strategy to counter China’s efforts to "undermine" Taipei's sovereignty.

Speaking at a news conference after holding a meeting with senior security officials, Lai contended that China has deepened its "influence campaigns and infiltration" against Taiwan, pledging measures to tackle Beijing's efforts to "absorb" the island, Taipei-based Central News Agency reported.

“China has undeniably become what our Anti-Infiltration Act defines as a ‘hostile foreign force’,” Lai said.

He accused Beijing of infiltrating Taiwan’s military through espionage and uses cross-strait exchanges as a means of conducting united front operations.

“We have no choice but to take more proactive measures,” he added.

His 17-point plan calls for numerous changes to government approaches and regulations, including restoration of the military court system, and reinstatement of military judges to work with judicial and investigative agencies to handle military personnel involved in crimes such as treason, espionage, and leaking state secrets.

Lai said 64 people were charged for Chinese espionage last year, three times more than in 2021.

He also recommended the Defense Ministry introduce amendments to the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces concerning penalties for expressing allegiance to China.

Lai said the approval process for Chinese visitors to Taiwan should focus on fostering normal cross-strait exchanges while ensuring mutual respect and dignity.

Chinese individuals with united front affiliations should be barred from entering Taiwan, he went on to say.

Calling for a "global advocacy" against Chinese threats to Taiwan, he said the National Security Council and the Foreign Ministry should form a plan to cooperate with democratic partners in conveying Taipei's resolve to counter Beijing's attempts at annexation.

To enforce these measures, Lai urged government agencies to review and amend relevant laws, including the National Security Act.

In answer to Taiwanese leader's remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning said that Taiwan is a "part of China."

She added that "no matter what they say" the ruling party, Democratic Progressive Party, "cannot change the fact that Taiwan is part of China, and the trend that China must achieve reunification."

China considers Taiwan as its "breakaway" province, whereas Taipei insists on its independence.