Taiwan Accuses China of Weaponizing AI in Disinformation Campaign
TAIPEI – Taiwan’s National Security Bureau has issued a stark warning, accusing China of leveraging generative artificial intelligence (AI) to escalate its disinformation campaign against the island nation. The bureau alleges that China is using AI to create and disseminate a deluge of "controversial messages" aimed at sowing discord and undermining public trust in the Taiwanese government. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing information war between the two sides and raises concerns about the potential misuse of AI in international conflicts.
The report submitted to the Taiwanese Parliament details a surge in online disinformation, with over half a million "controversial messages" detected in 2025 alone. These messages, primarily disseminated through social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, are designed to exploit sensitive political moments and amplify existing societal divisions. The report highlights specific instances where China allegedly used AI-generated content to manipulate public opinion surrounding key events, including President Lai Ching-te’s address on China and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s announcement of US investments.
The Taiwanese security bureau’s assessment points to a deliberate strategy of "cognitive warfare," where China uses disinformation to manipulate public perceptions and erode trust in democratic institutions. By flooding online spaces with AI-generated content, Beijing seeks to create confusion, amplify existing divisions within Taiwanese society, and ultimately undermine the government’s legitimacy. The use of AI allows for the rapid and widespread dissemination of this disinformation, making it increasingly challenging to counter.
The report further alleges that China’s disinformation campaign is part of a broader "grey-zone" strategy that includes increased military activities and economic pressure. The surge in Chinese coast guard incursions, air balloon flights in Taiwanese airspace, and military drills near the island are all components of this multifaceted approach. These actions, according to the report, not only create an atmosphere of intimidation but also drain Taiwan’s resources by forcing it to constantly respond to these provocations.
Taiwan’s concerns are echoed by international observers who have tracked China’s growing assertiveness in the region. Beijing has repeatedly refused to renounce the use of force against Taiwan, and its military activities around the island have intensified in recent years. The utilization of AI in disinformation campaigns adds another layer of complexity to the situation and raises concerns about the potential for escalating tensions.
The international community is closely monitoring developments in the Taiwan Strait. The US and its allies have expressed concerns about China’s aggressive posture towards Taiwan and have reiterated their support for the island’s democratic governance. The accusations of AI-powered disinformation highlight the evolving nature of modern warfare and the need for effective strategies to counter these sophisticated tactics. As AI technology continues to advance, the potential for its misuse in international conflicts will likely become an increasingly pressing concern. The international community faces the challenge of developing norms and regulations to govern the use of AI in warfare and prevent its exploitation for malicious purposes.
