Taiwan’s National Security Bureau has raised alarms over a sharp increase in Chinese cyberattacks, saying government systems now face an average of 2.8 million daily incursions, a 17% rise from last year. The report, submitted to parliament, links the attacks to a coordinated campaign using artificial intelligence and online troll networks to spread misinformation and weaken public confidence.
Key infrastructure — including defence, telecommunications, energy, and healthcare — has been repeatedly targeted. The NSB said China’s operations blend espionage and propaganda, combining dark web activity, internet forums, and social media platforms to circulate false narratives.
Over 10,000 abnormal social media accounts have been detected, spreading more than 1.5 million disinformation posts, many of which attack Taiwan’s government and promote pro-Beijing messaging. These efforts also aim to undermine U.S.–Taiwan relations, the report noted.
The bureau added that AI-generated “meme-style” content has been increasingly used to manipulate public opinion around Taiwan’s elections and trade negotiations. Beijing, which denies any hacking involvement, has simultaneously accused Taiwan of conducting its own cyber operations.
