Taiwan Faces Escalating Disinformation Campaign from China, National Security Bureau Reports
Taipei, Taiwan – Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB) has released a comprehensive report detailing a significant surge in disinformation originating from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) during 2024. The report reveals a disturbing trend, with instances of suspected CCP-backed disinformation nearly doubling compared to the previous year, reaching a staggering 2.159 million cases. This alarming increase underscores the escalating information warfare campaign waged by Beijing against Taiwan, aiming to erode public trust in the government, military, and key alliances. The NSB’s findings highlight the multifaceted nature of the CCP’s disinformation strategy, employing a range of tactics to manipulate public opinion and sow discord within Taiwanese society.
The NSB report meticulously outlines the primary objectives of this disinformation campaign. The CCP seeks to undermine confidence in Taiwan’s defense capabilities, portray US support for the island nation as unreliable, and damage the credibility of President William Lai. These efforts are strategically timed to coincide with Taiwan’s political cycle, aiming to influence public perception and potentially sway election outcomes. The report emphasizes the insidious nature of these operations, which often leverage social media platforms and online communities to spread misinformation and propaganda.
Facebook remains the primary battleground for this information war, experiencing a 40% surge in disinformation cases compared to 2023. However, the CCP has diversified its strategy, significantly increasing its presence on other platforms, including video-sharing sites, online forums, and X (formerly Twitter). These platforms have witnessed a dramatic rise in disinformation, with increases ranging from 151% on video platforms to a staggering 664% on forums. This expansion highlights the CCP’s adaptability and its determination to exploit all available channels to disseminate its narratives.
The NSB has identified a network of suspicious social media accounts, numbering over 28,000, linked to the spread of disinformation. While Facebook hosts the majority of these accounts, platforms like TikTok, X, and the Chinese platform Douyin have also seen a substantial increase in suspicious activity. This network of accounts serves as a conduit for disseminating propaganda, amplifying divisive content, and manipulating public discourse. The NSB’s report underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to identify and neutralize these accounts to mitigate the impact of the CCP’s disinformation campaign.
The NSB’s analysis reveals six key tactics employed by the CCP in its disinformation operations: First, they flood social media with carefully crafted narratives designed to influence voter behavior. Second, they impersonate Taiwanese users and official accounts to spread misinformation and sow confusion. Third, they exploit military exercises as propaganda opportunities, exaggerating their significance and portraying Taiwan as vulnerable. Fourth, they utilize advanced technology to create “deepfake” videos of Taiwanese officials, further eroding public trust. Fifth, they co-opt integrated media accounts to amplify their propaganda messages. Finally, they establish fake international news websites to promote the “one China” principle and legitimize their claims over Taiwan.
The report emphasizes that the CCP’s disinformation campaign is a global concern, exploiting the openness of democratic systems and the reach of internet platforms. The NSB asserts that Taiwan is not alone in facing this challenge, and the CCP’s tactics pose a threat to democracies worldwide. In response, Taiwan has adopted a comprehensive strategy to counter disinformation, which includes reporting suspected disinformation campaigns to relevant government agencies, collaborating with international partners, and actively engaging in information sharing initiatives. The NSB highlights the importance of continued vigilance, international cooperation, and public awareness in combating this evolving threat. The agency remains committed to strengthening its capabilities and working with allies to counter the CCP’s disinformation campaign and protect Taiwan’s democratic values.