Taiwan Denies Chinese Cyberattack Accusations and Claims China is the Source of Cyberattacks

The allegations from China, which include claims that a Taiwanese hacking group named “Anonymous 64” is responsible for cyberattacks on Chinese targets, have intensified tensions between the two nations. Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo pointed out that China leads in daily cyberattacks and accused Beijing of attempting to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty through disinformation. In response to China’s claims, Taiwan’s government officials, including Premier Cho Jung-tai, have called for a robust counter-response to these accusations, maintaining that only the people of Taiwan can determine the island’s future. This exchange comes amid heightened military and political pressures from China, particularly since the election of Taiwan’s current leadership, which favors a more independent stance.

Background on Cybersecurity Tensions

• China’s Claims: China’s national security ministry has accused the Taiwanese group of engaging in cyber warfare, asserting that they are linked to Taiwan’s military cyber operations. The ministry urged citizens to report any instances of “anti-propaganda sabotage” and published images of alleged Taiwanese operatives.

• Taiwan’s Response: Taiwan’s government has firmly denied these allegations, arguing that they are a tactic used by China to distract from its own cyber activities against Taiwan and other nations. Koo highlighted that China is known for its extensive cyber operations globally, targeting democratic countries.

• Escalating Relations: The accusations come at a time of increasing friction in cross-strait relations, particularly following Taiwan’s recent elections and growing U.S.-Taiwan cooperation on defense and technology, which China views as a direct challenge to its claims over Taiwan.

This situation underscores the ongoing cyber warfare and disinformation campaigns characteristic of the strained relations between Taiwan and China, with each side accusing the other of malicious online activities.