Chinese Cyberattacks on Taiwan Surge to 2.63 Million Daily in 2025
Cyberattacks targeting Taiwan’s vital infrastructure increased by 6% in 2025, averaging 2.63 million incidents a day, according to the island’s National Security Bureau. The bureau reported that many of these attacks were synchronised with Chinese military exercises, forming part of what it described as “hybrid threats” designed to paralyse Taiwan’s key systems.
Rising Cyber Threats Amid Military Pressure
Taiwan has repeatedly accused Beijing of waging “hybrid warfare,” combining cyber operations, disinformation campaigns and military manoeuvres to undermine the island’s security and democratic resilience. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has intensified such activities in parallel with increased military drills near the island.
The report revealed that the average daily number of attacks in 2025 represented a 113% surge compared with 2023, the first year Taiwan began publishing this data. Critical sectors such as energy, emergency services and healthcare recorded the sharpest year-on-year increases, highlighting growing risks to public safety and essential services.
“Such a trend indicates a deliberate attempt by China to compromise Taiwan’s crucial infrastructure comprehensively and to disrupt or paralyse Taiwanese government and social functions,” the bureau stated.
Cyber Operations Linked to Political and Military Events
The report detailed how China’s “cyber army” often launched attacks in coordination with military and political actions. Out of 40 joint combat readiness patrols conducted by Chinese forces around Taiwan in 2025, cyberattacks intensified on 23 occasions.
In addition, hacking activity spiked during politically sensitive periods, such as when President Lai Ching-te marked his first year in office in May, and when Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim addressed lawmakers at the European Parliament in November. The bureau said these patterns reflected Beijing’s strategic use of hybrid threats during both peacetime and potential conflict.
Targeting Technology and Infrastructure
The attacks included distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) operations that disrupted online access to essential services, as well as man-in-the-middle intrusions aimed at stealing data and infiltrating Taiwan’s telecommunications networks.
Science parks hosting Taiwan’s world-leading semiconductor industry, including companies such as TSMC, were among the main targets. According to the bureau, hackers sought to obtain advanced technologies to strengthen China’s self-reliance in innovation and reduce its vulnerability in the ongoing U.S.-China technology rivalry.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to requests for comment. Beijing routinely denies involvement in cyberattacks.
with inputs from Reuters