Chinese Cyberattacks on Taiwan Surge 17% in 2025
Chinese cyberattacks on Taiwan’s government departments have risen sharply this year, increasing by 17% compared to 2024. Data from Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB) shows the island now faces an average of 2.8 million cyberattacks daily. The bureau has also warned that Beijing’s “online troll army” is actively working to spread misinformation and create internal divisions among Taiwanese citizens.
Rising Online Threats Amid Political Tensions
According to a report submitted to parliament and reviewed by Reuters, Taiwan’s Government Service Network has endured a surge in attacks this year, up from 2.4 million daily in 2024. The NSB report identified critical sectors such as medical systems, defence, telecommunications, and energy as prime targets of what it described as “systemic cyberattacks.”
The report highlighted that these operations go beyond data theft. They include coordinated efforts using the dark web, online forums, and media platforms to spread false information aimed at undermining public trust in Taiwan’s cyber defences. This campaign, according to the NSB, forms part of Beijing’s broader “grey-zone” tactics that combine cyberattacks, disinformation, and military pressure to intimidate the island.
Beijing’s Disinformation Campaign Expands
Taiwan’s security agencies also uncovered over 10,000 “abnormal” social media accounts, many operating on Facebook. These accounts have reportedly spread more than 1.5 million pieces of content that the NSB classified as disinformation. The bureau said Beijing’s state media and “online troll army” have been mobilised to criticise the Taiwan government, promote pro-China narratives, and erode trust in the United States — Taiwan’s most crucial international partner and arms supplier.
The report added that China has begun using artificial intelligence to generate “meme-style” propaganda, focusing on politically sensitive issues such as Taiwan’s elections and trade talks with the United States. Once produced, these materials are amplified by fake accounts to shape public perception and deepen divisions within Taiwan.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to requests for comment. Beijing consistently denies involvement in cyberattacks and accuses Taiwan of launching its own online operations. Recently, China issued bounties for 18 alleged Taiwanese military officers accused of spreading “separatist” messages online.
Taiwan continues to reject China’s sovereignty claims, insisting on its democratic governance and independence from Beijing’s authority.
with inputs from Reuters
