Hong Kong and Taiwan boost counter-intelligence ties

Deputy boss of Taiwan’s spy agency makes secret visit to Hong Kong.

The deputy chief of Taiwan's Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau visited Hong Kong recently to meet with local law enforcement agencies.

Wu Li-jhen, deputy director-general of the MJIB, paid a low-profile visit to Hong Kong and met with several high-ranking officials from law enforcement agencies. She is the first female MJIB deputy director-general in the bureau's history.

She also visited the Hong Kong Jockey Club to gain an understanding of crimes related to horse-racing and gambling and to learn more about the prevention of money laundering.

Given the importance of Wu's position in the MJIB, her itinerary was not publicized in either Taiwan or Hong Kong. Sources said Wu's visit marked a breakthrough in exchanges between Taiwan and Hong Kong.

When Hong Kong was under British rule from the 1950s to 1997, it was difficult for even low-level officials from Taiwan to visit Hong Kong, not to mention an MJIB official, the source added.

MJIB is a governmental, judicial, investigation agency that is responsible for safeguarding national security and for the investigation of alleged breaches of national security. It is a criminal-investigation and counter-intelligence agency of the Ministry of Justice. The agency is run by the Director.