China’s state security ministry accused four individuals linked to Taiwan’s military of cyberattacks and espionage. The ministry identified them as members of Taiwan’s Information, Communications, and Electronic Force Command. These individuals allegedly targeted key infrastructure in China, including power grids, water supplies, and telecommunications networks. Chinese authorities claim these operations involved phishing, propaganda, and disinformation campaigns, though no detailed evidence was presented.
Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai rejected China’s allegations, calling them fabricated to justify Beijing’s own cyberattacks. Taiwan asserted that its cybersecurity operations focus solely on defense, not offensive attacks against China. The claims reflect ongoing tensions between the two nations, particularly over Taiwan’s sovereignty and Beijing’s aggressive stance.
China’s cyber-related accusations against Taiwan have escalated amid rising cyberattacks on Taiwanese government agencies and critical infrastructure.
Taiwanese officials recently reported that Chinese hackers were behind most of the attacks targeting the island. The techniques of these hackers are said to have become increasingly sophisticated, affecting government, defense, and high-tech sectors.
Chinese cybersecurity firms also released reports on an alleged Taiwan-linked threat actor, APT-Q-20, active since 2006.
The reports did not directly link this group to the Taiwanese military but suggested its involvement in cyber espionage. The simultaneous release of these reports hinted at possible coordination between China’s authorities and cybersecurity firms, signaling a broader state-led effort against Taiwan’s cyber activities.
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