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China's "Cognitive Warfare" on Taiwan: Fake News Sites & Bot Networks Exposed

Taiwan's National Security Bureau has detailed China's extensive "cognitive warfare" tactics targeting the island. The campaign involves Chinese IT and marketing companies operating thousands of fake social media accounts and fake news websites to spread disinformation. Beijing's stated objectives are to sow social division in Taiwan, reduce international support, and increase acceptance of its political agenda. In response, Taiwan is boosting domestic fact-checking and expanding international intelligence-sharing to counter these influence operations.

Key Points: Taiwan Exposes China's Disinformation Campaign Using Fake News & Bots

  • Over 45,000 fake social media accounts identified
  • 2.3 million pieces of disinformation circulated
  • Chinese IT firms build bot account systems
  • Fake news sites push Beijing-friendly narratives
  • Taiwan counters with international cooperation
2 min read

Taiwan's top intelligence agency says China using fake news sites, bot networks for 'Cognitive Warfare'

Taiwan's spy agency reveals China uses IT firms & bot networks in cognitive warfare to influence Taiwanese opinion and weaken social cohesion.

"China's goal is to deepen divisions within Taiwan, weaken resistance to external threats, and increase Taiwanese acceptance of Beijing's agenda - NSB report via CNA"

Taipei, January 11

Taiwan's National Security Bureau has revealed that China is allegedly using Chinese IT and marketing companies to run large-scale disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing Taiwanese public opinion and weakening social cohesion, according to a report cited by the Central News Agency.

In its analysis of the People's Republic of China's "cognitive warfare tactics against Taiwan in 2025," the NSB said Taiwan's intelligence system identified over 45,000 fake social media accounts and more than 2.314 million pieces of disinformation circulating online.

According to the NSB, these efforts are part of a coordinated operation overseen by China's Central Publicity Department and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS). Chinese IT companies have reportedly built databases and developed automated systems to manage fake or bot-operated accounts, CNA reported.

The report further noted that marketing firms such as Haixunshe, Haimai, and Huya have been used to create fake news websites that promote Beijing-friendly narratives. Meanwhile, Beijing-backed Wubianjie Group has allegedly operated content farms through Facebook fan pages that initially post sensational entertainment-style content to attract followers before gradually shifting to political messaging intended to shape public perception.

According to the NSB, China's goal is to deepen divisions within Taiwan, weaken resistance to external threats, discourage international support for Taiwan, and increase Taiwanese acceptance of Beijing's agenda, CNA said.

To counter such influence operations, the NSB stated it is strengthening cooperation with domestic government bodies, fact-checking organisations, and social media platforms to enhance transparency and remove false information. It also highlighted Taiwan's growing collaboration with the international community, noting that over the past year, it conducted more than 80 security dialogues and intelligence-sharing meetings with global democratic partners to jointly tackle China's cognitive warfare strategies, as cited by the CNA report.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Not surprising at all. The scale mentioned is staggering - 45,000 fake accounts! This is why media literacy is so important for our youth. We must teach them to question what they see online, especially during election seasons.
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David E
While the report is from Taiwan's perspective, it highlights a critical issue. All democracies, including India, need to invest in stronger cyber defenses and international cooperation, like the 80+ dialogues mentioned. A shared threat requires a shared response.
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Anjali F
The tactic of starting with entertainment content and shifting to politics is so clever and dangerous. We see this on YouTube and Facebook here too. People don't even realize they're being fed propaganda. Jai Hind!
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Vikram M
Respectfully, we must also be cautious. This is one side of the story from Taiwan's intelligence. We need to hear from independent fact-checkers before drawing final conclusions. Information warfare is complex.
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Siddharth J
China's actions in Taiwan have direct lessons for India. We face similar challenges on our borders and in the information domain. Strengthening our own cyber capabilities and public awareness is not an option, it's a necessity.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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