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Taiwanese legislator accused of spreading rumors to obstruct military exercise

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling is accused of spreading rumors about a military exercise involving network speed reduction.
  • Critics argue her statements cause public panic and benefit China.
  • The exercise aims to simulate network disruptions during disasters or conflicts, not a complete blackout.

A controversy has erupted over Taiwan's upcoming "2026 Urban Resilience (Air Defense) Exercise," with accusations that a legislator is deliberately spreading misinformation to obstruct the drills. Weng Hsiao-ling, a legislator from the Kuomintang party, allegedly posted on social media, mischaracterizing the exercise as a "network blackout" and demanding government compensation for potential damages.

Who is this legislator from which country?

— Wang Ting-yuQuestioning Weng Hsiao-ling's loyalty and actions regarding the military exercise.

DPP legislator Wang Ting-yu fiercely criticized Weng, questioning her allegiance and accusing her of obstructing national defense efforts. Wang stated that Weng has consistently opposed defense budgets and foreign affairs funding, and now resorts to fabricating information to incite public fear. He emphasized that the exercise simulates a reduction in mobile network speeds, not a complete shutdown, and that fixed networks and Wi-Fi will remain operational, along with phone and SMS services.

Wang explained that the drill is designed to test how Taiwan can maintain normal societal operations when mobile networks are degraded due to natural disasters or military conflict. He likened it to a fire drill, stressing the importance of preparation for the worst-case scenarios, especially given China's actions of cutting undersea cables and the frequent disruptions caused by earthquakes and typhoons.

obstructing the exercise, only benefiting the PLA

— Wang Ting-yuAccusing Weng Hsiao-ling of actions that aid China.

Wang condemned Weng for her alleged opposition to anything beneficial for Taiwan, including spreading false information about the exercise. He pointed out that Weng remained silent when China severed Taiwan's undersea cables but actively hinders drills aimed at enhancing national security. He also noted her opposition to defense and diplomatic budgets, questioning her role as a legislator for Taiwan.

there is no network blackout

— Wang Ting-yuCorrecting Weng Hsiao-ling's claim about the military exercise.

Ultimately, Wang asserted that obstructing such drills, which prepare Taiwan for potential natural disasters and military threats, solely benefits the Chinese People's Liberation Army. He concluded that such actions, which cause distress to allies and joy to adversaries, will eventually lead to consequences for Weng in a democratic Taiwan.

fixed networks and Wi-Fi will remain operational, and phone and SMS services will be normal

— Wang Ting-yuClarifying the scope of the network simulation during the exercise.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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