Taiwan’s top intelligence agency has accused China of employing Chinese IT and marketing companies to operate fake news platforms, manage accounts, and disseminate misinformation as part of its cognitive warfare against the self-governing island. The National Security Bureau (NSB) of Taiwan revealed that in 2025, over 45,000 fake social media accounts and more than 2.314 million pieces of disinformation were identified, all linked to Chinese IT firms under the direction of China’s Central Publicity Department and Ministry of Public Security. These actions were aimed at influencing public opinion in Taiwan by spreading narratives supporting China’s official positions through fake news websites developed by marketing companies like Haixunshe, Haimai, and Huya.
The NSB highlighted that these websites initially attract followers with engaging content before transitioning to political posts to sway the perspectives of the Taiwanese people. By engaging in such activities, China seeks to sow discord within Taiwan, undermine the resolve of its citizens, impact support from allies, and garner backing from the Taiwanese populace. The NSB is collaborating with relevant authorities and enhancing partnerships with fact-checking entities and social media platforms to identify and remove false information. Recently, the NSB also accused the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of conducting military exercises near Taiwan, alongside cyberattacks and the dissemination of controversial messages, including millions of hacking attempts.
During these drills, the NSB reported a surge in cyberintrusions targeting government networks, with around 2.08 million attacks recorded on the first day and escalating to about 2.09 million on the second day. The agency’s efforts involve countering these threats and safeguarding Taiwan’s interests against external interference and disinformation campaigns.
