Joseph Wu, Secretary-General of Taiwan's National Security Council (second from left), and Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te (center). [EPA Yonhap News] 

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan (parliament) passed a resolution demanding the resignation of Joseph Wu, Secretary-General of Taiwan's National Security Council (NSC), led by opposition parties, amidst allegations that his former aide spied for China.

According to Chinese-language media such as Taiwan's Central News Agency and United Daily News on the 2nd (local time), the resolution passed with 54 votes in favor and 48 against, led by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP).

Taiwan's NSC is an advisory body to the president concerning national defense, foreign affairs, and cross-strait relations. Wu previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs during the previous Tsai Ing-wen administration.

Earlier, the TPP initiated this resolution in response to the indictment and severe sentence sought against Ho Jen-chieh, Wu's former aide, who was accused of leaking diplomatic secrets to China in July last year.

The resolution argued that despite the significant blow to Taiwan's security and diplomacy caused by this incident, Wu should resign himself for evading legislative oversight and undermining the constitutional system.

The Taiwan NSC expressed "deep regret" over the resolution's passage and stated, "All political parties should prioritize national interests and swiftly review government budgets and special defense ordinances, while halting internal friction."

Furthermore, in relation to China's recent military drills encircling Taiwan and intensifying pressure through gray-zone tactics, the NSC emphasized, "The opposition rejected a motion to condemn China's military drills in the Legislative Yuan and attacked the national security and administrative teams through political maneuvering."

They warned that this could send the wrong signal externally and give China an opportunity to divide Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the Legislative Yuan also passed a motion of censure against Joseph Wu, Taiwan's Premier, with 55 votes in favor and 48 against. The TPP had initiated the censure motion, citing reasons such as Wu undermining the separation of powers.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) criticized, "The opposition is still trying to engage in political struggles at the start of the new year," adding, "All their efforts and focus are on censuring Premier Wu and impeaching President Lai Ching-te."