Key facts
- Disinformation rose 48% in the first nine months of 2026 to over 2.5 million items.
- Content focused on energy, food security, defense policy, and candidates.
- AI technology is being used to manipulate information and influence election outcomes.
- Cyberattacks on Taiwanese government agencies averaged 2.58 million daily in the period.
Taiwan's top intelligence agency reported that China spread over 2.5 million pieces of disputed or false online information targeting the island in the first nine months of 2026, a 48% increase from the previous year. The National Security Bureau stated that Beijing is intensifying these operations ahead of local elections in November, using tactics such as AI-generated videos, fake accounts, and coordinated comment flooding to influence voter preferences and election outcomes.
The disinformation campaigns focused on sensitive topics including energy, food security, and defense policy, as well as specific candidates. The report noted that China often creates narratives through official media before amplifying them via online troll armies. Cyberattacks on Taiwanese government agencies also surged, averaging 2.58 million daily during the period.
Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has previously denied interfering in Taiwanese elections or spreading disinformation. Taiwan has consistently raised concerns about China's "grey-zone" tactics, which include daily military drills and cyberattacks, as Beijing increases military and political pressure.