China’s Attempt to Lure a Taiwanese Pilot with $16 Million and a CH-47

China has been ramping up its pressure on Taiwan, a self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own territory. In recent months, China has increased its military activities near Taiwan, including sending warplanes and ships to intimidate and harass the island’s defense forces.

But China’s tactics are not limited to military means. According to a report by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, China also tried to bribe a Taiwanese pilot with $16 million to defect with a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, a heavy-lift transport aircraft that Taiwan acquired from the United States in 1995.

The pilot, who was not named, was approached by a Chinese agent via social media in 2019. The agent offered him a lucrative deal: if he flew the CH-47 to China, he would receive $16 million and a new identity. The agent also promised to arrange a safe landing and a smooth escape for the pilot.

The pilot, however, did not fall for the trap. He reported the incident to his superiors and cooperated with the authorities to expose the Chinese plot. The pilot was praised by the ministry for his loyalty and professionalism.

The ministry said that this was not the first time that China had attempted to lure Taiwanese military personnel to defect. It warned that China was using various means, such as money, sex, and threats, to infiltrate and sabotage Taiwan’s defense. The ministry urged all service members to be vigilant and report any suspicious contacts.

China’s offer of $16 million shows how desperate and aggressive Beijing is to obtain Taiwan’s military secrets and assets. The CH-47 is a valuable asset for Taiwan, as it can carry troops, vehicles, and supplies across the island and to its offshore islands. It can also perform humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

Taiwan has a fleet of 18 CH-47s, which are operated by the Army Aviation and Special Forces Command. The helicopters are based at Taoyuan Air Base and have been upgraded with new avionics and engines. Taiwan is also planning to buy more CH-47s from the US to enhance its airlift capabilities.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has vowed to defend the island’s sovereignty and democracy against China’s threats. She has also pledged to strengthen Taiwan’s defense capabilities and cooperation with like-minded countries, such as the US and Japan.