Taiwan detains communist party leader over alleged links to China ahead of local polls

File photo: Chairman of Taiwan People's Communist Party Lin Te-wang (center)

Authorities in Taiwan have detained the leader of the island's Taiwan People's Communist Party over allegations that he ran as a candidate for borough chief under the direction and sponsorship of China's Communist Party, local media reported on Sunday.

Lin Te-wang, the party's chair, is also accused of directing another party member to contest for the post of chief in a separate borough, according to Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA), which cited a statement by prosecutors.

Taiwan is scheduled to hold elections for mayors and local area chiefs on November 28. While the contests largely focus on local livelihood issues, the results could indicate the popularity of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by President Lai Ching-te, ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

Prosecutors allege vote-buying and links to China

Prosecutors alleged that Lin attempted to buy votes by repeatedly recruiting voters to travel to mainland China, where they were provided hospitality, CNA reported.

The prosecutors said they had received intelligence about possible foreign interference in the elections and summoned 14 people and nine witnesses as part of the investigation.

After questioning those involved, prosecutors suspected that Lin and the other party member had committed offences.

They also expressed concerns that the two could flee or destroy evidence, prompting them to seek court orders for their detention and restrictions on visits.

The courts approved the application to detain Lin.

The other party member was released on bail of 50,000 Taiwan dollars (around $525), while the remaining people summoned were released during the investigation.

Lin had faced earlier charges over alleged Chinese links

Lin's party has limited influence on the democratic island, but this is not the first time he has faced legal action over alleged links with Beijing.

Lin and another party leader had previously faced charges of Chinese infiltration and attempting to influence elections.

However, both were found not guilty in 2025, the Taipei Times reported.

Taiwan's local polls come amid tensions with Beijing

The November 28 elections are being held against the backdrop of longstanding tensions between Taiwan and China.

Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control.

Allegations of Chinese interference have frequently surfaced during Taiwanese elections.

China and Taiwan have been governed separately since 1949, when the Chinese Communist Party came to power in Beijing following a civil war.

Forces belonging to the defeated Nationalist Party fled to Taiwan, which later transitioned from martial law to a multiparty democracy.