Taiwan Faces Escalating Disinformation War from China
Taiwan is facing a relentless onslaught of disinformation campaigns orchestrated by China, aimed at subverting the island’s democracy and influencing public opinion. These campaigns, increasingly sophisticated and intertwined with traditional political pressure tactics, seek to sow discord, undermine trust in the government, and promote a pro-unification narrative. The most recent presidential election saw a surge in these activities, targeting candidates with fabricated scandals and spreading rumors about election rigging. This disinformation warfare isn’t limited to national politics; it also penetrates local issues, manipulating narratives on topics like food safety and racial tensions to discredit the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The disinformation tactics employed by China are multifaceted and adaptable. During the 2020 presidential election, rumors were spread that then-President Tsai Ing-wen had falsified her doctoral degree, a claim debunked by the London School of Economics. The subsequent election victory of Tsai was then falsely attributed to CIA manipulation. In the recent 2024 election, similar tactics were used against DPP candidate and now-President Lai Ching-te, including smears about an illegitimate child and the eligibility of his running mate. These narratives are disseminated through social media, email campaigns, and even infiltrate traditional media channels, amplifying their reach and impact on public discourse. China’s goal is to erode public trust in the government, foster political instability, and create a climate conducive to reunification.
Taiwan has implemented several measures to combat this disinformation onslaught. The government has banned several Chinese media platforms, including TikTok, iQIYI, and Tencent, and enacted legislation like the Anti-Infiltration Act and the Radio and Television Act. Civil society organizations have also stepped up, creating fact-checking services like MyGoPen and the Taiwan FactCheck Center, which are dedicated to debunking false narratives and educating the public about disinformation. These initiatives represent a proactive approach to identifying and countering the spread of misinformation.
Despite these efforts, the battle against disinformation is far from over. Chinese propaganda continues to reach a wide audience in Taiwan through platforms like YouTube and Twitch, which remain unrestricted. Beijing’s commitment to reunification fuels its persistent efforts to undermine Taiwan’s spirit and resilience. The Chinese Communist Party views President Lai as a "separatist" and "troublemaker" and will likely escalate its disinformation campaigns to drive wedges between his government, the Taiwanese populace, and international partners. This underscores the ongoing and evolving nature of the information war, requiring continuous vigilance and adaptation by Taiwan and its allies.
President Lai has publicly acknowledged the threat of Chinese disinformation and vowed to strengthen Taiwan’s defenses, including boosting national security laws and increasing public awareness. This stance may lead to stricter regulations on social media platforms. Taiwan’s Executive Yuan has already approved draft bills aimed at combating cybercrimes and online fraud, potentially requiring digital platforms that earn advertising revenue to establish local headquarters or designate legal representatives to respond to government inquiries about content moderation. These measures signal a determined effort to hold online platforms accountable and mitigate the spread of disinformation.
The global landscape of disinformation presents further challenges for Taiwan. Financial constraints have led tech giants like Meta, X (formerly Twitter), and Google to reduce their workforce dedicated to combating disinformation, increasing the risk of manipulation by authoritarian states. This necessitates a robust and proactive approach by Taiwan, including retaining skilled professionals and potentially recruiting experts from these tech companies to bolster local capacity in countering disinformation. International collaboration with democracies facing similar threats, such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, is crucial. Sharing experiences, strategies, and establishing policy dialogue forums can significantly amplify efforts to counter China’s disinformation tactics. Ultimately, President Lai’s leadership and Taiwan’s ability to effectively combat this fabricated "reality" will be a critical test for the island’s democratic resilience and future security.
