Taipei [Taiwan]: Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB) has released a report detailing China’s sophisticated infiltration strategies aimed at recruiting Taiwanese active service members through military veterans, as well as influencing local politics and public opinion.
The analysis, titled “Analysis on the Infiltration Tactics Concerning China’s Espionage Cases,” revealed a sharp increase in espionage-related prosecutions in Taiwan, rising from 16 cases in 2021 to 64 in 2024. The NSB, Taiwan’s primary intelligence agency under the National Security Council, highlighted that Chinese espionage targets include government agencies, local organizations, and military units.
Key Findings:
- Military Recruitment: In 2024 alone, 15 military veterans and 28 active service members were prosecuted, making up 23% and 43% of all Chinese espionage cases, respectively.
- Channels of Infiltration: Beijing reportedly leverages criminal gangs, local temples, religious groups, and civilian organizations to create covert networks. Chinese operatives also assist retired military personnel in setting up front companies, underground banks, and even casinos to facilitate infiltration.
- Financial Exploitation: China targets individuals in financial distress, offering loans via online platforms or underground banks in exchange for intelligence, loyalty pledges, or recruitment of others into espionage networks.
- Election Interference: During Taiwan’s election campaigns, Beijing organized all-expenses-paid trips for village chiefs to China, seeking their support for specific political candidates.
High-Profile Espionage Case
A recent case brought to light involved the founder of the Fukang Alliance Party, a small political outfit in Miaoli, and six retired military officers. They were indicted for allegedly receiving Chinese funds in exchange for sharing GPS coordinates and images of Taiwanese military installations.
The Fukang Alliance Party, reportedly financed by China, fielded four candidates in Taiwan’s 2024 legislative elections. None of the candidates succeeded in gaining seats, but the operation highlighted China’s continued attempts to meddle in Taiwan’s democratic processes.
Objectives of China’s Espionage
The NSB emphasized that China’s infiltration efforts aim to:
- Access classified national defense intelligence.
- Establish espionage and “co-optee” networks.
- Influence Taiwanese elections to sway public opinion and undermine national sovereignty.
Conclusion
The report underscores the increasing complexity and scale of China’s infiltration strategies, posing a significant threat to Taiwan’s national security and democracy. The NSB’s findings call for heightened vigilance and stronger counter-espionage measures to safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty and stability.