China-Taiwan Cyberattack Claims Spark Tensions and Accusations

Chinese officials have blamed a recent cyberattack targeting a domestic tech firm on the Taiwanese government, intensifying long-standing friction between the two sides. 

In a statement issued Tuesday, public security authorities in Guangdong Province alleged that an “overseas hacker group” responsible for the breach operated under the backing of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). 

The statement is based on preliminary findings from an ongoing police investigation.

The DPP, which leads Taiwan’s government, quickly dismissed the accusation and countered with its own claims. 

Taiwan’s National Security Bureau fired back, labeling the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) as “a source of global information security threat” and accusing Beijing of spreading falsehoods.

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Accusations and Counterclaims Escalate

In a message to Reuters, Taiwan’s intelligence agency accused China of “manipulating inaccurate information to confuse the outside world, so as to cover up the related cyber hacking acts” and deflect global scrutiny.

Beijing has long maintained that Taiwan is part of its territory, although the self-governing island continues to assert its independence. President Lai Ching-te, who recently marked his first year in office, reiterated that only Taiwan’s citizens have the authority to determine the island’s future.

The controversy comes as Chinese state media outlet Xinhua released details from the cyber investigation. According to the report, the hacker group had infiltrated digital infrastructure across more than ten Chinese provinces over the years. 

Sectors impacted allegedly include military operations, government systems, transportation, and the energy sector. However, technical analysts cited by Xinhua downplayed the sophistication of the attack, describing it as “simple and crude” with “low technical level.”

Taiwan’s National Security Bureau further alleged that the CPC has consistently engaged in cyber intrusion and financial theft directed at Taiwan. 

It stated, “The CPC has long carried out cyber hacking and theft of funds from Taiwan, disseminated false information, and carried out cognitive warfare in an attempt to destroy Taiwan’s critical infrastructure and create social division and antagonism.”

As the digital battleground between China and Taiwan heats up, both governments appear locked in a cycle of accusation and denial, with each side using cyber incidents to reinforce their political narratives.

Learn more: What Is Cybersecurity