Taiwanese prosecutors accuse former lieutenant colonel Cheng Chih-wen and his father to give information to mainland China in exchange for benefits.

In addition to the allegations of espionage, Cheng Chih-wen was also charged with helping mainland China recruit Taiwanese soldiers "in order to develop networks, severely affect security and damage military discipline", wrote. The prosecutor's office of Tainan district, Taiwan island today said in the notice.

Cheng Chao-ming, Chih-wen's father, was the leader of a small political party. In 2009, he was credited with introducing his son, who was then in the army, to Chinese agents in Japan.

Chih-wen was accused of signing an agreement in Singapore in 2010, pledging to support Beijing's efforts to merge Taiwan into the mainland in exchange for $ 11,000 and a high-end watch. After his demobilization, the former lieutenant colonel introduced his former colleague to Beijing and accepted the money.

Relations between the two Taiwan straits have been strained since Thai Anh Van, who opposed the "One China" policy, became the island's leader in 2016. China has always considered Taiwan part of its territory. Wait for reunification, including by force if necessary.

The prosecution of the two spies took place as Taiwan prepared for elections in January 2020. Ms. Thai is trying to take power for another term while her opponent is a supporter of a warmer relationship with Beijing.

China has also intensified its political, diplomatic and military pressures with Taiwan, regularly patrolling aircraft and warships patrolling around the island. China's Defense Minister Wei Fenghua in October declared addressing "the Taiwan problem" as the biggest priority.