“China’s Disinformation Playbook: Targeting Taiwan’s Trust in the US”
Taipei [Taiwan], March 5: China is ramping up its cognitive warfare tactics against Taiwan, establishing a dedicated misinformation unit under the United Front Work Department (UFWD) to manipulate narratives around Taiwan-US relations, according to a report by Taipei Times.
China’s Misinformation Agenda
📌 UFWD’s New Task Force: A specialized misinformation unit has been formed to spread false narratives about Ukraine and Taiwan’s semiconductor investments in the US.
📌 Target: US-Taiwan Trust: The goal is to instill doubt among Taiwanese citizens about the US and foster divisions within Taiwan, ensuring lasting internal instability.
📌 Narratives Being Pushed:
🔹 “Trump will betray Taiwan”
🔹 “Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) will become American”
🔹 “Taiwan will ultimately fall under China’s control”
📌 Misinformation Channels: These false claims are being rapidly spread via:
✔ Chinese state media
✔ Social media platforms
✔ Fake accounts & Taiwan-based media outlets
📌 Exploiting Political Divisions: China’s Ministry of State Security is using Taiwan’s internal disagreements over Trump to fuel tensions, amplifying anti-Trump sentiments on English-language social media.
China’s Strategy: A ‘Legitimate Battle’ Against Taiwan?
🔴 During China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC)—collectively known as the “Two Sessions”—UFWD head Shi Taifeng reportedly emphasized the need to intensify psychological warfare against Taiwan.
🔴 A national security source revealed that Shi has instructed all government entities to consider this a legitimate battle to undermine Taiwan’s trust in the US.
🔴 Chinese intelligence agencies are actively monitoring social media narratives, ensuring that Taiwanese criticisms of Trump are amplified internationally to weaken Taiwan-US relations.
Taiwan’s Response & Growing Threats
🚨 Taiwanese authorities have already detected suspicious accounts pushing pro-China disinformation in recent days.
🚨 National security officials warn that this is part of Beijing’s long-term effort to destabilize Taiwan from within—a tactic that has been evolving over the years.
🚨 Experts caution that China’s cognitive warfare is becoming more sophisticated, leveraging AI, social media algorithms, and cyber operations to manipulate public opinion.
What’s Next?
With Taiwan’s presidential transition underway and US policies shifting, China’s misinformation war is expected to intensify. Taiwan is likely to counteract these tactics with stronger cybersecurity measures and public awareness campaigns to expose and debunk false narratives.
However, as geopolitical tensions rise, the battle for truth and influence in Taiwan remains a critical challenge.
Tags:
China Taiwan Conflict, Cognitive Warfare, Misinformation Campaign, US-Taiwan Relations, Chinese Propaganda, Psychological Warfare, Taiwan Security, Chinese Disinformation, Global Politics, Social Media Manipulation