Chinese Cyber Attacks and Disinformation Against Taiwan Intensify

Taiwan is facing an unprecedented surge in Chinese cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining public trust in its democratic institutions, according to a new intelligence report presented to the island’s parliament.

The National Security Bureau (NSB), Taiwan’s premier intelligence agency, revealed that government networks are now experiencing an average of 2.8 million intrusion attempts daily in 2025 – marking a 17 percent increase from the previous year. The vast majority of these attacks have been traced back to China, targeting critical infrastructure including defense systems, telecommunications networks, energy grids, and healthcare facilities.

“These operations go far beyond conventional intelligence theft,” the NSB stated in its parliamentary briefing. “They integrate dark web channels, internet forums, and media outlets to systematically disseminate fabricated content designed to erode public confidence.”

The intelligence report describes a sophisticated, multi-pronged approach that combines traditional hacking with coordinated information warfare. Officials have identified more than 10,000 suspicious social media accounts, primarily on Facebook, that have collectively spread over 1.5 million pieces of disinformation. The content typically criticizes Taiwan’s government, promotes pro-Beijing narratives, and attempts to sow distrust between Taiwan and the United States, its primary security partner.

According to the NSB, Chinese operators are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to generate convincing memes and videos that spread false information about sensitive policy matters, including Taiwan’s trade negotiations with Washington and domestic energy initiatives. Intelligence officials believe these efforts are strategically timed to influence public opinion ahead of Taiwan’s 2026 local elections.

The scale and sophistication of the campaign suggest it is a “state-level” operation, involving multiple Chinese government entities including the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Ministry of State Security, and Public Security Bureau. The strategy employs military personnel, civilian operators, and private contractors to conduct espionage, manipulate online discourse, and extract sensitive information from Taiwanese systems.

“What we’re witnessing is the digital front of a much broader pressure campaign,” said Dr. Lin Wei-cheng, a cybersecurity analyst at National Taiwan University who was not involved in the report but has studied Chinese cyber operations. “Beijing is combining traditional espionage with social media manipulation to create an environment of distrust and division within Taiwan’s democratic system.”

While the Chinese government has consistently denied involvement in any hacking or disinformation operations, Western governments and cybersecurity firms have documented extensive evidence of such activities. In September, cybersecurity firm Proofpoint published research showing that a Beijing-aligned threat actor known as TA415 had intensified its attacks against Taiwan’s semiconductor industry – a sector critical to global technology supply chains and Taiwan’s economic security.

The cyber conflict runs both ways, with China making its own accusations. In May, Chinese authorities claimed a Taiwan-backed group had targeted mainland infrastructure in a series of cyberattacks. Earlier, in March, Chinese officials accused four individuals allegedly connected to Taiwan’s military of conducting espionage operations against the mainland – allegations that Taiwan’s NSB has firmly denied.

These digital confrontations reflect the broader geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Taipei. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland, while Taiwan functions as a self-governing democracy with its own military and political system.

Cybersecurity experts note that these “grey-zone” tactics – actions that fall short of conventional warfare but serve strategic objectives – have become Beijing’s preferred method for applying pressure on Taiwan. They allow China to demonstrate power and influence public opinion without triggering direct military conflict or international intervention.

Taiwan’s government has responded by increasing cybersecurity funding and establishing specialized units to counter disinformation. However, officials acknowledge that the scale and persistence of these campaigns present ongoing challenges to the island’s digital defenses.