Taipei, October 14, 2025 — Taiwan has raised the alarm over a sharp rise in cyberattacks originating from China, warning that Beijing is leveraging a so-called “online troll army” to sow discord and influence public opinion. According to a report by Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, government networks have faced an average of 2.8 million cyberattacks per day in 2025, up from 2.4 million daily attacks in 2024 — a 17% increase.
Key Findings of the Report
The official report, submitted to Taiwan’s parliament and reviewed by Reuters ahead of a session on Wednesday, highlights that critical sectors such as healthcare, defense, telecommunications, and energy have been prime targets.
“Beyond intelligence theft, these operations exploit dark web forums, online media channels, and internet platforms to spread fabricated content, undermining public confidence in government cyber defenses,” the report stated.
The National Security Bureau stressed that these actions form part of China’s broader “grey-zone” tactics — covert measures designed to exert political and military pressure without direct confrontation. Taiwan has repeatedly complained that China is using these tactics to reinforce its sovereignty claims while attempting to destabilize the democratically governed island.
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The Role of China’s ‘Online Troll Army’
Taiwanese authorities have identified over 10,000 abnormal social media accounts, many on platforms like Facebook, which have been used to circulate more than 1.5 million messages of misinformation. These accounts are part of a coordinated effort by China’s state-controlled media and troll networks to:
- Criticize Taiwan’s government policies,
- Promote pro-China narratives, and
- Undermine trust in the United States, Taiwan’s key ally and arms supplier.
The report notes that artificial intelligence (AI) is being employed to produce “meme-style” content targeting sensitive issues such as Taiwan’s elections and trade negotiations with the United States. These AI-generated materials are then amplified by the troll network to manipulate public perception within Taiwan.
China Denies Allegations, Claims Retaliation
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to requests for comment. Beijing routinely denies involvement in cyberattacks, though it is frequently accused by other governments. Meanwhile, China has claimed that Taiwanese cyber operations have targeted its own networks, and recently announced bounties for 18 individuals allegedly involved in Taiwanese military psychological operations disseminating “separatist” messages.
Implications for National Security
The Taiwanese report warns that these systemic cyberattacks are not just attempts at information theft but part of a long-term, strategic campaign to erode trust in democratic institutions, exacerbate internal divisions, and influence public opinion.
Officials stress the urgency of bolstering Taiwan’s cybersecurity infrastructure, including:
- Enhanced internet monitoring,
- Strengthened information verification systems, and
- Expanded cyber defense capabilities to safeguard national security and public trust.
Conclusion
Taiwan’s recent report underscores that cyber warfare is now a critical dimension of modern geopolitics. As digital platforms become central to governance and public discourse, state-backed cyber operations are emerging as potent instruments for influence and disruption.
Taiwan’s experience serves as a stark reminder that protecting cyberspace is no longer just a technological challenge—it is intrinsically linked to national security, democratic resilience, and international stability.
In the era of digital conflict, cyberattacks have become a strategic weapon, and Taiwan is at the forefront of this evolving threat.
