Taiwan Reports Surge in Chinese Cyberattacks and Warns of 'Online Troll Army'

Rising Cyber Threats from China

Taiwan's National Security Bureau has reported a significant increase in Chinese cyberattacks targeting government departments in 2025. The attacks have risen by 17% compared to the previous year, reaching an alarming average of 2.8 million daily attacks on Taiwan's Government Service Network1

1

. This surge in cyber aggression is part of what Taiwan perceives as China's 'grey-zone' tactics, which also include daily military drills and other forms of pressure.

Key Targets and Strategies

The report, which was reviewed by Reuters ahead of a parliamentary session, identified several critical sectors as primary targets of these 'systemic cyberattacks.' These include medical systems, defense, telecommunications, and energy infrastructure2

2

. The attacks go beyond mere intelligence theft, integrating various online platforms to disseminate fabricated content and erode public confidence in the government's cyber defenses.

The 'Online Troll Army' and Disinformation Campaigns

Taiwan's National Security Bureau has raised concerns about what it calls Beijing's 'online troll army.' The bureau detected over 10,000 'abnormal' social media accounts, many on Facebook, which have helped spread more than 1.5 million messages deemed as disinformation2

2

. These accounts are reportedly being used to criticize the Taiwanese government, promote pro-China narratives, and sow distrust in the United States, Taiwan's key international ally.

Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Warfare

The report highlights China's use of artificial intelligence technologies to generate 'meme-style' content targeting specific issues, including Taiwan's elections and tariff negotiations with the United States2

2

. These AI-generated narratives are then amplified by abnormal accounts within Taiwan's online discourse space, aiming to influence public perception and exacerbate internal divisions.

China's Response and Counter-Claims

While China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to requests for comment on these allegations, China routinely denies involvement in hacking attacks2

2

. However, China has made counter-claims, stating that it has been targeted by Taiwanese cyber operations. Recently, China offered bounties for 18 individuals it claims are Taiwanese military psychological operations officers spreading 'separatist' messages.

Implications for Taiwan-China Relations

These cyber conflicts occur against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Taiwan and China. Beijing continues to ramp up military and political pressure on Taiwan, aiming to force the democratically governed island to accept its sovereignty claims2

2

. Taiwan's government, however, firmly rejects these claims, setting the stage for ongoing cyber warfare and information battles in the region.