This undated file photo shows the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, China's Taiwan. (PHOTO / CHINA DAILY)

National security agencies have uncovered hundreds of cases of espionage and theft of secrets by Taiwan in recent years and have arrested a group of spies and operatives from the island, according to an article published by the Ministry of State Security on Wednesday.

Since the Democratic Progressive Party came to power, Taiwan's intelligence agencies have actively served as the vanguard for "Taiwan independence" forces, intensifying espionage on the mainland, according to the article released on the ministry's official WeChat account.

In response, national security authorities took decisive action, organizing and implementing multiple special operations in recent years that resulted in the dismantling of multiple espionage networks set up by Taiwan's intelligence agencies targeting the mainland, it said.

Taiwan's intelligence agencies aggressively suppressed political figures and even ordinary citizens engaged in cross-Strait exchanges, colluding with external forces to create disruptions in the leadership elections this month, according to the article published by the Ministry of State Security

On Aug 3, 2022, the national security agencies for the first time pursued criminal charges against "Taiwan independence" forces. Captured suspects were charged with secession and incitement to secession, effectively deterring the separatist activities and external interference.

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The article noted that, ahead of Taiwan's leadership elections this month, the island's intelligence agencies once again acted as enforcers of "Taiwan independence", vigorously promoting the narrative of "mainland intervention in Taiwan elections".

Taiwan's intelligence agencies aggressively suppressed political figures and even ordinary citizens engaged in cross-Strait exchanges, colluding with external forces to create disruptions in the elections, according to the article. 

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They have become tools for "Taiwan independence" forces, aiming to eliminate dissent, hinder cross-Strait exchanges and serve as instruments against those with different views, it added.