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Taiwan Sees Sharp Rise In Espionage Cases Linked To China, National Security Bureau Reports

Taiwan has reported a rise in espionage cases, with 64 individuals, mostly military, accused of spying for China in 2024.

The number of Taiwanese individuals charged with espionage on behalf of China rose by a third last year, reaching 64 cases, according to Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB). The majority of those implicated were current or retired soldiers, underscoring the growing infiltration efforts by Beijing.

In its report on Sunday, the NSB described the increase in cases—from 48 in 2023 and just 10 in 2022—as a “significant rise.” While the bureau did not provide specific reasons for the surge, it noted that China has intensified its espionage activities alongside political and military pressure, which includes daily military drills and reconnaissance balloons near the island.

The NSB’s report highlighted how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leverages various channels to recruit individuals, including criminal gangs, underground banks, and religious groups. Retired military personnel were particularly targeted to infiltrate the armed forces, gather sensitive information, and even establish spy networks.

The report revealed that some gang members were instructed to act as sleeper agents, tasked with sabotage and potentially raising China’s flag during an invasion scenario. It also alleged that retired officers were asked to gather photos and coordinates of foreign government offices in Taiwan, purportedly to assemble “sniper teams” for potential assassination missions.

Seven retired military officials were prosecuted last year for alleged espionage activities, including mapping military bases and the coordinates of the de facto US embassy in Taipei, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency.

China continues to claim Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. In response, Taiwan’s government has strongly rejected these sovereignty claims, vowing to protect its democracy and freedom.

The Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing has not commented on the latest allegations.

The NSB warned that China’s espionage campaigns are expected to persist, especially as Beijing escalates its efforts to undermine Taiwan’s security and sovereignty.

Melissa Enoch

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