Did China Recruit a Juggler to Spy on Taiwan’s Military?

June 30, 2025: A major China-backed spy ring has been dismantled in Taiwan, with Lu Chi-hsien, a board member of the Chinese Diabolo Federation, sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison. Lu was found guilty of establishing an espionage network on behalf of China, reportedly receiving nearly NT$5.7 million (USD 195,293) through underground channels from a Chinese national, Tian Xi, to fund the operation.

According to the Taipei Times, Lu was recruited by Chinese intelligence agents during a 2020 visit to China, initially meant to explore opportunities for diabolo performances. By 2022, he had set up a base in Taipei’s Shilin District and began recruiting retired military personnel through banquets and financial incentives.

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The spy ring reportedly succeeded in enlisting seven active-duty service members or their close contacts, while 11 others refused. Recruited individuals provided sensitive military documents, including training records and meeting notes.

Among those sentenced was Kuo Po-ting, the younger brother of actress-singer Kuo Shu-yao, who received three years and 10 months in prison. A total of nine individuals were convicted—six under the National Security Act, three for support roles, and one (Tian Xi) under the Banking Act.

The case was initially transferred to the High Court due to concerns about state secrets. However, it was returned to the Taipei District Court, which ruled the core issue was espionage, not classified information leaks.