Beijing’s Intelligence Agency Identifies Taiwanese Agents, Warns of ‘Troll Army’ Escalating Tensions

Beijing has accused several Taiwanese individuals of operating a covert influence campaign aimed at promoting Taiwan independence and stoking tensions between mainland China and the self-governing island.

In a statement released Friday, China’s Ministry of State Security claimed to have identified a network of “troll army” accounts across multiple social media platforms, both within mainland China and internationally. The ministry alleged these accounts displayed coordinated patterns through similar content, account connections, and inflammatory messaging designed to undermine cross-strait relations.

According to Chinese authorities, the social media operation was managed by a media company allegedly operating under the direction of Taiwan’s Military Intelligence Bureau (MIB). The ministry specifically named Taiwanese military intelligence officer Lin Ziyu, claiming he directed “counter-propaganda and sabotage activities against mainland China” while using an alias.

Two additional unnamed agents from the alleged media company were also accused of spreading false information, promoting Taiwan independence ideology, and attempting to manipulate public opinion on Chinese internet platforms.

In a serious escalation, the ministry stated that all individuals identified would be “held accountable for life” under China’s Anti-Secession Law, legislation passed in 2005 that provides a legal framework for potential military action should Taiwan formally declare independence.

The accusations come amid heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait. China considers Taiwan an inalienable part of its territory that must eventually be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Meanwhile, Taiwan operates as a de facto independent democracy with its own government, military, and foreign policy.

This latest accusation of Taiwanese intelligence operations follows President Xi Jinping’s recent National Day speech, where he issued stern warnings against Taiwan independence movements. Xi has repeatedly emphasized that “Taiwan independence” represents the greatest threat to peaceful reunification and regional stability.

The allegations also reflect Beijing’s growing concern about information warfare and public opinion shaping. China maintains strict control over its domestic internet through its “Great Firewall,” which blocks many foreign websites and social media platforms. However, the ministry’s statement suggests these alleged Taiwanese operations managed to penetrate Chinese digital spaces.

Information operations have become an increasingly important battleground in cross-strait relations. Both sides regularly accuse each other of spreading disinformation and attempting to influence public sentiment. Taiwan has previously claimed that China conducts extensive disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining trust in Taiwan’s democratic institutions.

Media and cybersecurity experts note that identifying the true source of coordinated online campaigns can be challenging, with attribution often relying on technical indicators that are rarely made public in official accusations.

The timing of these accusations may also relate to Taiwan’s recent presidential election, which saw the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) retain power. The DPP has traditionally advocated for a distinct Taiwanese identity, a position Beijing views as separatist.

Taiwan’s government typically dismisses such accusations from Beijing as attempts to create pretexts for increasing pressure on the island. Taipei has consistently maintained that it does not seek to provoke China but will defend its democratic way of life and de facto sovereignty.

Neither Taiwan’s Military Intelligence Bureau nor the accused individuals had issued public responses to the allegations at the time of reporting.