A broadband supplier with government contracts is under investigation for allegedly obtaining leaked information from Taiwan’s top military research center Chung-Shan Institute.
00:00A broadband supplier with government contracts is under investigation for allegedly obtaining leaked information from Taiwan's top military research center.
00:10A technician at the state-run weapons developer Zhongshan Institute was detained earlier this month for allegedly leaking bid documents related to a surveillance project.
00:20Investigators traced the leak to the project's contractor and broadband supplier two-way group.
00:25They raided the company and questioned its CEO and a senior employee.
00:29Officials say the case involves national security laws and that the investigation is still ongoing.
00:36This year's Pacific Islands Forum is wrapping up on Friday with leaders tackling issues like climate change while great power competition looms in the background.
00:46Cadence Quanta reports.
00:47Leaders of Pacific Island nations gather for a photo in the Solomon Islands at an annual forum between the countries where this year at least one head of state said progress had been made.
01:00We have made real advances in our common interests.
01:04We are all members of the Pacific family and it's important that we cooperate on economic issues, on national security and in dealing with the challenge of climate change.
01:18One key outcome of this year's Pacific Islands Forum, a joint call by all participating nations for a, quote, ocean of peace.
01:25Proclaiming their desire for peace and cohesion and taking a stand against great power competition in the region.
01:32I think there is a concern that the great power competition between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America is now impacting even the running of the annual Pacific Island Forum.
01:44Also, don't forget, you know, there's long been a concern of Pacific Islands that they don't become victim to this competition between the two powers and that they get trampled underfoot.
01:57This year, the host, the Solomon Islands, announced that none of the forum's external partners would be invited, effectively barring countries that normally have a seat at the table, including Taiwan, the U.S. and China.
02:09The move reportedly followed pressure from Beijing to exclude Taiwan as it seeks to deepen its reach in the region.
02:19Taiwan has only three remaining diplomatic allies in the Pacific after several switched recognition to China in recent years, including the Solomon Islands.
02:29Some of those allies expressed concern over Taiwan and other partners' exclusion.
02:32The president of Palau told AFP that there had, quote, absolutely been meddling in the forum and emphasized all partners should be included to be able to effectively solve challenges.
02:43And even without an invite this year, Beijing's presence still loomed large.
02:47For one, this year's meetings took place nearby a large stadium built and financed by the Chinese government.
02:56And China has appeared to ramp up an influence campaign, including providing hundreds of thousands of dollars in support for the Solomon Islands police force to help with summit preparations.
03:08But experts say, despite China's efforts, there are high hopes for Taiwan's future at the forum, especially as next year's event will be hosted by official ally Palau.
03:17With Palau hosting the Pacific Island forums next year, with Palau having diplomatic relations with Taiwan, I think we can rest assured that President Wipps will make sure that Taiwan and all of the dialogue partners will be invited.
03:35Still, great power competition is likely to continue playing a part in future forums.
03:41Its members made up of mostly tiny island nations with large strategic importance.
03:46Dolphine Chen and Cadence Caranta for Taiwan Plus.
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