Taiwan Faces Escalating Disinformation Campaign from China, Targeting Military, US Support, and Presidential Elections
Taipei, Taiwan – Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB) has sounded the alarm on a dramatic surge in disinformation attacks originating from China, with reported cases nearly doubling in 2024 compared to the previous year. This surge underscores the growing sophistication and intensity of China’s efforts to influence public opinion in Taiwan and internationally, utilizing a range of tactics across various social media platforms. The NSB’s findings paint a stark picture of a coordinated and multifaceted campaign aimed at undermining trust in Taiwan’s defense capabilities, eroding confidence in the US-Taiwan partnership, and influencing the outcome of upcoming presidential elections.
The NSB’s analysis reveals a worrying trend in the volume and reach of Chinese disinformation. Over 2.159 million instances of controversial information were identified in 2024, representing a significant escalation compared to 2023 figures. Facebook emerged as the primary battleground for these disinformation operations, experiencing a staggering 40% surge in manipulated content. Other platforms also witnessed substantial increases, with video platforms seeing a 151% rise and online forums a dramatic 664% increase. Even X (formerly Twitter) experienced a 244% jump in disinformation activity. This multifaceted approach highlights the adaptability of the CCP’s disinformation machinery and its ability to exploit various online ecosystems.
A key element of this campaign is the proliferation of questionable accounts used to disseminate disinformation. The NSB detected over 28,216 such accounts in 2024, a significant jump of 11,661 compared to the previous year. While Facebook hosted the majority of these accounts (21,967), platforms like TikTok, X, and China’s Douyin also saw a notable surge. This proliferation suggests a deliberate targeting of younger internet users, who constitute a significant demographic on these platforms. The NSB’s observation underscores the strategic nature of these operations, seeking to shape the views of the next generation of Taiwanese citizens.
The tactics employed by China showcase a calculated blend of traditional propaganda methods and cutting-edge technology. These tactics include flooding social media with misleading information to manipulate voter behavior, impersonating Taiwanese users and official accounts to spread fabricated news, exploiting military exercises for propaganda purposes, and deploying AI-generated deepfakes of Taiwanese officials to distort public perception. This multi-pronged approach demonstrates the CCP’s willingness to leverage both established and emerging technologies to achieve its strategic objectives.
The NSB report also highlights the CCP’s sophisticated use of media platforms to amplify its narrative. This includes co-opting integrated media accounts as proxies for state-owned media and establishing fake news outlets masquerading as legitimate international publications. The identification of platforms like the fictitious Czech newspaper Bohemia Daily and the Spanish outlet Guell Herald exemplifies the CCP’s strategy to disseminate disinformation under the guise of independent journalism, thereby influencing international perceptions of the “one China” principle. This tactic aims to cultivate a global narrative favorable to China’s position on Taiwan, potentially eroding international support for Taiwan’s autonomy.
In response to this escalating threat, Taiwan’s government has taken proactive measures to counter the influx of disinformation. The NSB has reported nearly 3,900 cases of disinformation to relevant government agencies and ministries, demonstrating a commitment to identifying and addressing these threats. Furthermore, Taiwan has actively engaged in international collaboration, hosting over 100 exchange events to share expertise and best practices with like-minded nations. This international cooperation is crucial for developing effective countermeasures and building a united front against disinformation campaigns. The NSB’s efforts highlight Taiwan’s determination to protect its democratic processes and safeguard its sovereignty in the face of escalating information warfare.