Taiwan Accuses China of Intensifying Disinformation Campaigns to Undermine Democracy

Taiwan’s government has accused China of ramping up efforts to undermine the island’s democracy and its strong ties with the United States through an increased spread of disinformation, particularly online.

The National Security Bureau reported a 60% rise in false or biased information originating from China, with 2.16 million instances recorded in 2024 compared to 1.33 million in 2023. While the report, released Friday, categorized these instances as “pieces of controversial information,” it did not provide a detailed definition. Social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, were identified as key channels for the spread of disinformation, especially targeting younger audiences.

According to the report, China employed fake accounts to disseminate propaganda on YouTube, used AI technology to produce fabricated videos, and flooded online comment sections with pro-China messages. Despite banning global social media platforms domestically, Beijing continues to use them internationally to propagate official narratives and misinformation.

China’s influence extends beyond social media, with Taiwanese traditional media also reportedly swayed due to their owners’ business ties with mainland China.

Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has reiterated its stance on unification. In his New Year’s address, Chinese President Xi Jinping asserted that Taiwan’s unification with China was inevitable and that no external forces—an apparent reference to the U.S.—could prevent it.

China’s aggressive tactics include regular incursions by warplanes, ships, and balloons into Taiwanese-controlled areas, as well as military drills simulating blockades or invasions. Additionally, Beijing has bolstered its naval and missile capabilities to counter potential U.S. military support for Taiwan.

In response, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed the island’s commitment to strengthening its defenses against escalating threats. In his New Year’s address, Lai emphasized Taiwan’s role as a critical component of the global “line of defense of democracy” against authoritarian regimes, including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.

The escalating tensions underscore the broader geopolitical rivalry between democratic and authoritarian states, with Taiwan positioned at the center of this clash.