China Searches for Taiwanese Officials Accused of Spreading Propaganda

Beijing’s security authorities have placed a bounty of $1,400 on 18 Taiwanese military officers, accusing them of conducting psychological warfare and promoting separatist ideology, escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

The Public Security Bureau of Xiamen, a coastal Chinese city directly facing Taiwan, released detailed personal information including photographs, names, and identification numbers of the Taiwanese officers. “For a long time they plotted to incite separatist activities,” the bureau stated in its announcement.

According to Chinese authorities, the targeted officers allegedly orchestrated disinformation campaigns, developed provocative games, circulated fabricated videos, and operated unauthorized radio stations aimed at undermining Beijing’s position on Taiwan.

The timing of this move appears strategic, coming just one day after Taiwan announced plans to strengthen its defense capabilities. The announcement represents the latest development in the increasingly fraught relationship between Beijing and Taipei, with China consistently claiming sovereignty over the self-governing island.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense promptly dismissed the allegations, characterizing them as part of Beijing’s broader strategy to “divide the people, humiliate the government, and conduct cognitive warfare.” Defense officials in Taipei emphasized that the threats carry no legal weight, as Taiwanese military personnel do not operate within mainland Chinese territory.

“This is clearly another attempt by China to intimidate our military and create internal division,” said a Taiwanese defense spokesperson. “Such tactics have become increasingly common as Beijing seeks to assert pressure through non-conventional means.”

The move follows recent statements by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te urging China to abandon coercive measures against the island. In a speech that appears to have angered Beijing, Lai pledged to bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities while maintaining the status quo in cross-strait relations. Chinese officials responded by condemning Lai, labeling him a “war instigator” and accusing his administration of pushing a separatist agenda.

This incident marks a continuation of similar tactics employed by China. In June, Beijing offered rewards for information on alleged Taiwanese military hackers, which Taiwan similarly dismissed as intimidation tactics designed to create internal discord.

The escalation comes amid growing international concern about stability in the Taiwan Strait. The United States, Taiwan’s most important unofficial ally and arms supplier, has repeatedly expressed concern about China’s military activities near the island, which have intensified in recent years.

Security analysts note that such “naming and shaming” tactics represent part of China’s broader “gray zone” strategy—actions that fall short of conventional warfare but create persistent pressure on Taiwan’s government and society.

“Beijing is increasingly relying on information operations alongside its military demonstrations,” explained Dr. Amanda Chen, an East Asian security specialist at the Pacific Forum. “These tactics aim to weaken Taiwan’s resolve from within rather than through direct military confrontation.”

The economic implications of cross-strait tensions remain significant for global markets, as Taiwan serves as a critical hub in global semiconductor manufacturing and technology supply chains. The island produces more than 60% of the world’s semiconductors and over 90% of advanced chips, making stability in the region crucial for international technology supply chains.

As both sides maintain their positions, the international community continues to monitor developments closely. Regional allies of both China and Taiwan have urged restraint, warning that miscalculation could lead to unintended consequences in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

For now, Taiwan maintains it will not be intimidated by what it characterizes as psychological warfare tactics, while continuing to strengthen its defensive posture against the much larger military force positioned across the narrow strait.