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Chinese intelligence agencies are orchestrating an elaborate disinformation campaign against Taiwan using fake news sites and automated social media accounts, according to a report released by Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB).
The report, published Sunday, details China’s “cognitive warfare tactics against Taiwan in 2025,” revealing that Taiwanese intelligence identified more than 45,000 fake social media accounts and over 2.3 million pieces of disinformation spread through coordinated campaigns.
According to the NSB, Chinese information technology firms are creating and managing these fake accounts under the direction of China’s Central Publicity Department and Ministry of Public Security. These operations utilize sophisticated databases and automated programs to disseminate content aimed at influencing public opinion in Taiwan.
The intelligence agency identified several Chinese marketing companies—including Haixunshe, Haimai, and Huya—that have been tasked with developing fake news websites promoting narratives that align with Beijing’s official positions. These websites reportedly employ a calculated strategy of initially attracting followers with non-political “clickbait” content before gradually transitioning to politically charged messaging designed to sway Taiwanese public opinion.
“The ultimate goal of these operations is to create internal divisions within Taiwanese society, erode public will to resist Chinese influence, and weaken international support for Taiwan,” an NSB official explained in the report.
This revelation comes amid escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan, which functions as a self-governing democracy, is claimed by Beijing as part of its territory. Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly stated that “reunification” with Taiwan is a key goal, refusing to rule out the use of military force to achieve it.
The cognitive warfare campaign represents just one facet of China’s multidimensional pressure campaign against the island. Last week, the NSB reported that the Chinese Communist Party had conducted military drills near Taiwan while simultaneously launching cyberattacks that included sharing over 19,000 “controversial” messages and carrying out millions of hacking attempts.
During those military exercises, government networks in Taiwan were hit with approximately 2.08 million cyberattacks on the first day, increasing to 2.09 million on the second day, according to the report presented to Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan.
Taiwan’s January 2024 election of President William Lai, whom Beijing considers a “separatist,” has further strained cross-strait relations. The NSB noted that recent disinformation campaigns have specifically targeted President Lai, the United States, and Taiwan’s military capabilities, aiming to undermine public confidence in Taiwan’s defense readiness and international support.
Security experts note that China’s information operations against Taiwan have grown increasingly sophisticated, blending traditional propaganda techniques with modern digital tools to create more convincing and pervasive narratives.
“What makes these campaigns particularly effective is their subtlety,” said Dr. Lin Wei-Ting, a cybersecurity researcher at National Taiwan University who was not involved in the NSB report. “By gradually introducing political content to audiences who initially followed for non-political reasons, these operations can influence people who might otherwise be skeptical of obvious propaganda.”
The NSB stated it is actively collaborating with other government agencies, fact-checking organizations, and social media companies to identify and remove false information. Taiwan has also been implementing digital literacy programs in schools and communities to help citizens better identify potential disinformation.
As Taiwan approaches regional elections later this year, officials expect these information warfare tactics to intensify, reflecting Beijing’s long-term strategy to influence Taiwan’s political landscape without resorting to military action.
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11 Comments
This report highlights the importance of transparent and accountable media ecosystems. Governments must work with tech companies and civil society to develop effective strategies to detect and mitigate the spread of coordinated online falsehoods.
It’s alarming to see the scale and sophistication of China’s alleged disinformation campaign against Taiwan. This underscores the need for robust media literacy programs and vigilance against online manipulation.
This is a concerning report. If true, it highlights the growing threat of state-sponsored disinformation campaigns targeting democratic societies. Rigorous fact-checking and media literacy efforts will be crucial to combat such coordinated influence operations.
The scale of this alleged disinformation campaign is staggering. Taiwan’s efforts to shine a light on these tactics are important for raising awareness and spurring action to address this growing threat to democratic societies.
This report underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability around online information sources. Governments, tech companies, and civil society must work together to develop robust safeguards against coordinated manipulation.
If verified, these findings point to a troubling escalation of China’s information warfare tactics against Taiwan. Maintaining the integrity of the information landscape is crucial for the health of democracy.
The use of marketing firms to create fake news sites is a disturbing tactic. Taiwan’s efforts to expose these deceptive practices are commendable, but combating state-backed disinformation remains an ongoing challenge.
The use of fake accounts and automated content to sway public opinion is a disturbing trend. Taiwan’s efforts to expose these tactics are commendable, but combating state-backed disinformation remains an ongoing challenge for many nations.
Agreed. Coordinated responses and international cooperation will be key to countering these malicious influence operations.
The use of marketing firms to create fake news sites is a worrying tactic. Maintaining the integrity of information sources is crucial for citizens to make informed decisions. Taiwan’s efforts to expose these deceptive practices are commendable.
Yes, this is a concerning trend that requires a multifaceted response. Fact-checking, media literacy, and international cooperation will all be essential to combat state-backed disinformation campaigns.