China is stepping up its information war against Taiwan, using local politicians, media and social media to spread its own messages. Taiwanese officials say this is part of Beijing's strategy to influence public opinion and the political situation on the island.
China's information warfare
Beijing is actively using local voices in Taiwan to spread its point of view. Chinese officials and state media quote Taiwanese politicians, experts and journalists to legitimise their messages and influence public opinion on the island.
Taiwanese officials claim that such actions are part of a broader Chinese information campaign aimed at undermining the credibility of the Taiwanese government and strengthening pro-Russian and pro-Chinese narratives among the local population.
Use of local sources
According to message Reuters, Chinese media actively disseminate quotes and comments from Taiwanese opposition politicians and experts. This allows Beijing to present its messages as having support among the Taiwanese themselves.
The article notes that such tactics are aimed at creating the impression of domestic support for China's positions, as well as at dividing Taiwanese society. Taiwanese officials emphasise that this is an element of hybrid warfare.
Taiwan's response
Taiwanese officials emphasise that such information attacks from China are not new, but they have recently become more systematic and widespread. The island's authorities urge citizens to check information and not to be manipulated.
Taiwanese officials also stress the need to strengthen media literacy and cooperation with international partners to counter Beijing's influence on the information space.
The context of the events
Information war between China and Taiwan has been going on for many years. China considers Taiwan its territory and uses various tools, including information campaigns, to achieve its goals.
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