China Deploys Fake News Sites and Accounts to Spread Misinformation Against Taiwan, NSB Reports

Taiwan’s intelligence agency has uncovered extensive Chinese disinformation operations targeting the island democracy, with over 45,000 fake social media accounts and more than 2.3 million pieces of misinformation identified in 2025.

The National Security Bureau (NSB) released these findings in its analysis on China’s cognitive warfare tactics against Taiwan. According to the report, the disinformation campaign is orchestrated by Chinese IT companies operating under directives from Beijing’s Central Publicity Department and Ministry of Public Security.

These Chinese IT firms have established sophisticated databases and developed automated programs to manage networks of fake and bot accounts that spread targeted messaging. The operation reflects China’s increasingly sophisticated approach to information warfare targeting Taiwan.

“This represents a significant escalation in China’s cognitive warfare capabilities,” said a security analyst familiar with cross-strait relations who requested anonymity. “The scale and coordination of these efforts show Beijing’s determination to shape Taiwanese public opinion without firing a shot.”

The NSB report details how Chinese authorities have enlisted marketing companies including Haixunshe, Haimai, and Huya to create fake news websites that disseminate narratives aligned with China’s official positions on Taiwan and other geopolitical issues.

In a particularly subtle tactic, Beijing has backed the Chinese marketing company Wubianjie Group in operating content farms via Facebook fan pages. These pages initially post sensational, non-political content designed to attract followers. Once a substantial audience is established, the content gradually shifts to politically charged messages intended to influence Taiwanese public perception.

Security experts note this “bait and switch” approach represents a sophisticated evolution in information warfare tactics, as it allows Chinese operatives to build credibility with Taiwanese audiences before introducing political messaging.

China’s objectives, according to the NSB, include deepening societal divisions within Taiwan, undermining citizens’ resolve to resist Chinese pressure, influencing international allies’ willingness to support Taiwan in potential crises, and cultivating pro-Beijing sentiment among Taiwanese people.

Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory despite the island functioning as a self-governing democracy since 1949, has become increasingly vigilant against such information operations as tensions across the Taiwan Strait have intensified in recent years.

To combat these threats, the NSB said it is strengthening cooperation with relevant government agencies while enhancing partnerships with fact-checking organizations and social media platforms. The agency has urged tech companies to improve their processes for identifying, disclosing, and removing false information.

“Cognitive warfare represents one of the most persistent and difficult challenges to Taiwan’s security,” said a Taiwanese official familiar with cybersecurity matters. “Unlike physical threats, these operations can run continuously and adapt quickly to countermeasures.”

On the international front, the NSB revealed it conducted more than 80 security dialogues and intelligence-sharing conferences with international partners over the past year. These efforts aim to build a stronger network within democratic countries to counter China’s information campaigns.

Several democratic nations, including the United States, Japan, and various European countries, have expressed growing concern about China’s use of disinformation operations, not only against Taiwan but also in their own domestic contexts.

The revelations come as Taiwan continues to strengthen its resilience against the full spectrum of challenges posed by China, from military intimidation to economic coercion and information warfare. Experts suggest cognitive warfare will likely remain a central component of cross-strait tensions as China continues to assert its claims over Taiwan.