Chinese authorities have announced rewards for tips related to 18 individuals accused of being part of Taiwan’s military psychological operations division, allegedly promoting messages advocating separation. This comes shortly after Taiwan reaffirmed plans to bolster its defenses.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory, despite firm opposition from Taipei, and has intensified military and political pressure on the island.
The public security bureau in Xiamen, a Chinese city across from Taiwan, identified the 18 as key figures in Taiwan’s military "psychological operations unit," releasing their photographs, names, and ID numbers.
According to the Xiamen bureau, the group was involved in activities such as spreading false information, gathering intelligence, conducting psychological operations, and broadcasting propaganda.
“For an extended period, they have schemed to encourage separatist actions,” the bureau stated, offering rewards of up to 10,000 yuan (US$1,402) for information leading to their capture. A report from the state-affiliated Xinhua news agency alleged they ran defamatory websites, developed subversive games to provoke division, produced misleading videos, operated unauthorized radio broadcasts for "infiltration," and influenced public discourse with backing from "external sources."
Taiwan’s defense ministry dismissed the claims, calling them a reflection of "authoritarian thinking aimed at dividing our society, undermining our government, and waging psychological warfare."
The ministry added that China frequently releases such reports, "exploiting the transparency of our democratic society to assemble and falsify personal information."
"Protecting national security and ensuring public welfare is the unwavering responsibility of every military member," it said.
The notice is seen as largely symbolic, given that Taiwanese intelligence personnel do not openly travel to China, which also lacks legal jurisdiction over the island.
Recently, Taiwan’s leader, Lai Ching-te, vowed to strengthen defenses and urged China to abandon any plans to take the island by force. Beijing condemned the remarks, labeling Lai a provocateur.
Earlier this year, China issued a similar call for the arrest of 20 individuals it accused of being Taiwanese military hackers. Taiwan dismissed the threat, stating it would not be intimidated.
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