China is increasingly turning to generative artificial intelligence (AI) to fuel disinformation efforts aimed at sowing division in Taiwan, according to a new report from the island’s National Security Bureau. The report, submitted to Taiwan’s parliament, details how Beijing is intensifying its influence operations alongside military pressure and economic coercion.
Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy that China claims as its own territory, has long faced a mix of diplomatic, military, and cyber pressure from Beijing. But the use of AI marks a new frontier in what Taiwan’s officials describe as “cognitive warfare” — a strategy designed to manipulate public opinion and undermine national unity.
The bureau said it had identified over 500,000 “controversial messages” circulating online in 2025 alone, many of which appeared on platforms like Facebook and TikTok. These messages reportedly spiked around key moments such as President Lai Ching-te’s recent comments on cross-strait relations and the announcement of new US investments by Taiwanese chip giant TSMC.
“As the application of AI technology becomes more widespread and mature, it has also been found that the Chinese Communist Party has been using AI tools to assist in the generation and dissemination of controversial messages,” the report stated. The aim, it added, is to “create division among our society.”
The Chinese government has not officially responded to the report. However, Beijing has consistently denied interfering in Taiwan’s internal affairs, despite mounting evidence of coordinated disinformation campaigns.
Beyond digital influence, the report also notes a sharp increase in China’s “grey-zone” activities — tactics that fall short of open conflict but serve to exert pressure. These include a spike in Chinese coast guard incursions, increased use of surveillance balloons, and live-fire military drills near the island. A recent round of such exercises, conducted over two days this month, drew condemnation from the United States and its allies.
President Lai, who maintains that only the Taiwanese people can decide their future, has labelled China a “foreign hostile force.” Taiwan remains firm in rejecting China’s sovereignty claims, while Beijing has never ruled out using force to bring the island under its control.
As tensions continue to rise, Taiwan’s leaders warn that the combination of military threats and AI-powered disinformation poses a serious challenge to the island’s democracy and stability.
Melissa Enoch
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