Chinese police announced on Saturday that they are offering rewards of up to $1,400 for information leading to the arrest of 18 individuals, whom they allege are Taiwanese military psychological operations officers spreading “separatist” messages.
This follows Taiwan’s recent pledge to enhance its defense capabilities amid growing tensions with China, reports Reuters and regional agencies.
The public security bureau in Xiamen, located across the Taiwan Strait from Taiwan, published the names, photographs, and Taiwan identity card numbers of the 18 individuals, accusing them of being members of Taiwan’s psychological warfare unit. According to the bureau, this unit engages in tasks such as disinformation campaigns, intelligence gathering, and psychological warfare to influence public opinion.
The statement from the bureau alleges that the individuals were involved in activities like inciting separatism, launching smear websites, creating provocative video content, running illegal radios, and manipulating public opinion with the help of “external forces.”
Taiwan’s defense ministry quickly rejected the accusations, describing them as a reflection of the “despotic thinking” of an authoritarian regime. The ministry condemned China’s attempts to divide Taiwan’s people and undermine its government, asserting that these efforts were part of an ongoing campaign of cognitive warfare.
Though largely symbolic, the bounty offers are unlikely to result in any arrests, as Taiwanese officials do not travel to China and the Chinese legal system has no jurisdiction over Taiwan. The announcement follows a similar one in June, when China issued a bounty for the arrest of 20 Taiwanese military hackers. Taiwan dismissed that as well, maintaining its stance of defiance against China’s pressures.
