Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) cautioned the public about cybersecurity threats linked to four popular Chinese mobile applications. Amap, leading in navigation app downloads on Android and iOS in Taiwan, along with bilibili, iQIYI, and BIMOBIMO, were flagged for data-sharing concerns with China. MODA’s Administration for Cyber Security highlighted the potential national security risks associated with these apps due to data sharing with China.
ACS officials revealed that Chinese app developers might be compelled to share data with Chinese authorities under cybersecurity and national intelligence laws. The apps underwent scrutiny for behaviors like accessing user data, device information, and activity monitoring. Amap was singled out for exhibiting the highest number of risky behaviors, including continuous location tracking and accessing sensitive data permissions.
The public was advised to exercise caution not only with Chinese apps but with all applications by scrutinizing requested permissions and using cybersecurity tools when necessary. Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB) disclosed the discovery of nearly 100 suspicious account groups disseminating divisive messages on social media following a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
NSB Director-General Tsai Ming-yen expressed concerns over the Chinese Communist Party’s cognitive warfare tactics, which aimed to promote reunification narratives and cast doubt on US support for Taiwan. The suspicious accounts exhibited abnormal posting patterns and lacked genuine connections, echoing CCP’s propaganda. Tsai Ming-yen emphasized the importance of clarifying misinformation and maintaining Taiwan’s diplomatic and national security interests.
Following the Trump-Xi meeting, the US Department of State reaffirmed its policy on Taiwan and arms sales to Taipei, countering social media rumors suggesting US abandonment of Taiwan. Xi Jinping stressed during the meeting that stable US-China relations hinged on the proper handling of the Taiwan issue. Despite China’s claims over Taiwan, the island nation remains steadfast in asserting its sovereignty against mainland pressures.
