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Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has firmly rejected China’s latest efforts to intimidate its cyber forces, after Beijing issued arrest warrants and offered cash rewards for 20 individuals allegedly involved in cyber operations against the mainland. In response, Taiwan emphasized that Chinese law holds no legal authority over its territory and accused Beijing of distorting the truth to manipulate public opinion and weaken the morale of Taiwanese forces. This move marks the latest escalation in China’s political and cyber pressure on the self-ruled island, which continues to push back against claims of Chinese sovereignty and digital aggression.
I. Beijing Targets Alleged Taiwanese Military Hackers
1. Chinese Authorities Release Hacker Details and Rewards
Last week, China’s Public Security Bureau in Guangzhou accused 20 individuals of being part of Taiwan’s Information, Communications, and Electronic Force Command—an elite cyber unit within its military. Authorities published the alleged hackers’ photos, names, and national ID numbers, offering monetary rewards exceeding US$1,000 for their apprehension. Beijing claims these individuals were involved in cyber intrusions targeting the mainland and vowed to track them “to the end.”
2. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office Vows Legal Action
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office escalated the matter, stating that the government would pursue legal action using its domestic laws to punish those accused of hacking. Officials insisted they would not show leniency and intended to leverage China’s legal framework to prosecute the suspects. This declaration signaled China’s intent to extend its reach beyond its borders—what Taiwan called “long arm jurisdiction.”
II. Taiwan Responds: Defending Sovereignty and Military Integrity
1. No Jurisdiction of Chinese Law Over Taiwan
Taiwan’s defense ministry issued a strong rebuttal, underscoring that China’s legal system has absolutely no authority on the island. Referring to Taiwan’s constitution, the ministry emphasized that any Chinese domestic law has “no real binding force” over its people. The statement aimed to invalidate China’s legal claims and reinforce the separation between the two governments.
2. Accusations of Psychological Warfare
The Taiwanese military further accused China of fabricating cyber incidents as part of a coordinated campaign to influence public perception and disrupt military morale. By invoking its internal legal system and broadcasting alleged cyber threats, Beijing is attempting to project control and erode confidence within Taiwan, the ministry warned.
3. Cyber Force Stays Resolute in Mission
Despite China’s provocative actions, Taiwan’s cyber defense unit vowed to continue safeguarding national digital infrastructure. The ministry praised the resilience of its Information, Communications, and Electronic Force Command, stating its personnel will not be swayed by cross-border threats or media manipulation. Their mission, the statement declared, remains focused on protecting the country’s digital sovereignty.
III. The Broader Cyber and Political Context
1. Ongoing Cyber Attacks Attributed to China
Taiwan has consistently accused Beijing of orchestrating cyberattacks against its infrastructure, government agencies, and private entities. These efforts, Taiwan says, aim to disrupt critical operations, steal sensitive data, and destabilize public trust. While China denies involvement, Taiwanese intelligence has repeatedly reported increases in cyber activity linked to actors based on the mainland.
2. Fake News and Disinformation Campaigns
Beyond technical attacks, Taiwan has also warned of China’s use of disinformation tactics to influence public discourse. By spreading false narratives through social media and online platforms, Beijing allegedly seeks to weaken support for Taiwan’s democratic institutions and stir internal dissent. These hybrid warfare techniques reflect China’s evolving strategy of combining digital tools with psychological operations.
3. Sovereignty Dispute and Growing Tensions
At the heart of the issue is China’s assertion that Taiwan is a breakaway province, a claim the island’s democratically elected government adamantly rejects. Over the last five years, China has ramped up military exercises, diplomatic pressure, and now legal maneuvers to assert its claim. Taiwan, however, continues to function as a self-governing entity with its own legal, military, and political systems.
IV. International Implications and Future Outlook
1. Cross-Border Legal Threats as a New Strategy
China’s issuance of public arrest warrants for foreign military personnel marks a notable shift in how it approaches conflict with Taiwan. By applying its legal system internationally, Beijing is attempting to impose extraterritorial influence—a move that could set a dangerous precedent in regional geopolitics.
2. Global Tech and Cybersecurity Impacts
Taiwan’s strength in technology, particularly its leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and digital security, makes it a key player in global tech infrastructure. Ongoing cyber threats could potentially destabilize supply chains and raise alarms among global partners. The international community is closely watching how Taiwan defends itself and how allies respond to China’s cyber offensive.
3. Strengthening Internal and External Defense
In light of rising pressure, Taiwan is expected to enhance both its internal cyber resilience and international collaboration on cybersecurity. Partnerships with like-minded democracies, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, will likely be deepened to counter Beijing’s expanding influence and ensure digital sovereignty remains intact.
Conclusion: A Digital Battlefield of Sovereignty and Power
China’s attempt to criminalize members of Taiwan’s cyber defense force reflects more than a legal challenge—it’s part of a broader strategy to assert control over the island through digital, legal, and psychological tactics. Taiwan’s firm response makes clear that it will not be cowed by threats or manipulated through public propaganda. As the digital domain becomes increasingly central to modern geopolitical conflict, Taiwan’s ability to maintain its cyber defense and national morale will be a defining factor in its ongoing struggle for autonomy and recognition on the world stage.
