Taiwan stands as a symbol of democratic resilience in East Asia, making it a focal point of geopolitical tensions. Its government, led by President Lai Ching-te, is doubling down on efforts to counter Beijing’s growing influence and espionage, which increasingly threaten Taiwan’s sovereignty. Beijing’s tactics range from military espionage and cyberattacks to subtle infiltration of local governance and public opinion, creating a multifaceted challenge for Taiwan.
China’s attempts to exert influence over Taiwan extend across multiple fronts, targeting societal, military, and economic spheres. Official data reveals a stark increase in espionage-related activities, with 64 individuals charged in 2024, a staggering rise compared to 2021. These cases often involve military personnel, exposing weaknesses in Taiwan’s defence sector.
One particularly alarming case involved a retired Air Force officer passing sensitive information about Taiwan’s air defence systems to Chinese operatives. Another incident saw a high-ranking military official accused of orchestrating a Beijing-funded paramilitary group designed to disrupt Taiwan internally in a potential conflict scenario. Such revelations highlight the sophisticated lengths to which Beijing will go to compromise Taiwan’s security framework.
On the digital battlefield, China has ramped up its cyber operations against Taiwan. Cyberattacks frequently target both government institutions and private firms, aiming to steal sensitive information and disrupt national infrastructure. These digital incursions often align with disinformation campaigns crafted to weaken public confidence in Taiwan’s democratic systems.
Psychological warfare is another critical element of Beijing’s agenda. Through propaganda and misinformation, China aims to sway public opinion in Taiwan. Pro-Beijing influencers and media outlets on the island act as vectors for these narratives, often disguising propaganda as independent journalism. This manipulation serves to blur the lines between genuine and orchestrated information, eroding democratic dialogue.
Economically, China deploys coercive tactics to diminish Taiwan’s global presence. This involves imposing trade restrictions, discouraging Chinese tourism to Taiwan, and leveraging diplomatic clout to isolate the island internationally. Taiwan’s list of formal diplomatic allies has dwindled to 11 in 2025, down from 22 in 2016, as Beijing intensifies efforts to deter nations from recognizing Taiwan.
Beyond economics, China’s international lobbying seeks to exclude Taiwan from participating in global organizations like the United Nations. These strategies aim to curtail Taiwan’s diplomatic influence and push it further into isolation on the global stage.
Internally, Taiwan faces the growing influence of pro-China sympathizers, including influencers and local government officials. Some social media personalities and entertainers have reportedly received funding from Beijing to promote favourable narratives about China. Investigations have revealed that United Front organizations—a Chinese Communist Party initiative—directly finance such activities, ensuring these narratives align with Beijing’s objectives.
Local governance is another area of concern. By nurturing ties with local officials, Beijing builds a network of sympathizers within Taiwan’s political fabric. This compromises Taiwan’s internal decision-making and poses threats to its national security.
In response to these challenges, President Lai’s administration has enacted robust measures to tackle Beijing’s influence. These include tightened reviews of residency applications from Chinese nationals and scrutinized financial flows across the Taiwan Strait. The government has also reintroduced military tribunals for handling cases of treason or espionage.
The Anti-Infiltration Act of 2019 provides the legal backbone for many of these actions. By designating China as a “foreign hostile force,” the law criminalizes collaboration with Beijing. Public awareness campaigns are further helping citizens identify and resist influence tactics, fostering greater societal resilience against infiltration.
Taiwan’s efforts to counteract Beijing’s influence have not gone unnoticed internationally. Allies such as the United States and Japan have voiced strong support. The U.S., under the Taiwan Relations Act, continues to provide military aid, while Japan underscores Taiwan’s stability as a linchpin for regional security. Multilateral frameworks like the Quad have also bolstered Taiwan’s strategic position.
However, these measures come with heightened risks. Beijing has condemned Taiwan’s countermeasures, warning of potential escalations. The Chinese government views Taiwan’s policies as provocations, increasing the likelihood of military or diplomatic confrontations. With rising frequency, China conducts military exercises near Taiwan, keeping tensions on a knife’s edge.
Taiwan’s resolve to curb Beijing’s influence is crucial for safeguarding its sovereignty, democracy, and social fabric. While significant progress has been made, the scale and depth of Beijing’s tactics present immense challenges. Counteracting these efforts will require Taiwan to blend legal reforms, international partnerships, and public education campaigns.
Enhancing cybersecurity remains a cornerstone of Taiwan’s strategy. Simultaneously, bolstering military readiness and raising public awareness about Beijing’s tactics will strengthen Taiwan’s resistance. The role of international allies, particularly in providing technological and diplomatic support, cannot be understated. In the face of these adversities, Taiwan’s commitment to democratic values and self-governance will serve as a guiding light. By navigating these challenges with strategic foresight, Taiwan can chart a course that not only safeguards its future but also reinforces its role as a beacon of democracy in an increasingly polarized region.