Taiwan's NSB releases report on Chinese infiltration tactics

Taipei, Jan. 12 (CNA) Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) on Sunday published an analysis of China's infiltration tactics, highlighting Beijing's attempts to use military veterans to recruit active service members.

The short report, "Analysis on the Infiltration Tactics Concerning China's Espionage Cases," noted that the number of individuals in Taiwan prosecuted for Chinese espionage increased significantly in recent years, from 16 in 2021 to 64 in 2024.

According to the NSB, targets of Chinese infiltration attempts included military units, government agencies and local associations.

In 2024, 15 military veterans and 28 active service members were prosecuted, accounting for 23 percent and 43 percent, respectively, of all Chinese espionage cases, the NSB said.

In terms of infiltration channels, the NSB said China established contacts with criminal gangs, local temples and religious groups, and civilian organizations, as well as helped retired military personnel set up front companies and underground banks or casinos.

Through these channels, Chinese operatives frequently try to use retired military personnel to recruit active service members, establish networks via the internet, or try to lure targets with cash or by exploiting their debts, according to the report.

For example, military personnel with financial difficulties may be offered loans via online platforms or underground banks, in return for passing along secret intelligence, signing loyalty pledges or recruiting others, the NSB said.

During election campaigns, Beijing has also organized all-expenses-paid trips for village chiefs in Taiwan to visit China, in exchange for their support of candidates of specific parties, the report said.

In a case made public last week, the government indicted the founder of a small political party in Miaoli and six other retired military officers for accepting money to provide photographs and the GPS coordinates of Taiwanese military installations.

The political party founded by the group's leader and allegedly funded by China, the Fukang Alliance Party, also ran four unsuspecting candidates in Taiwan's 2024 legislative elections, though none of them came close to being elected.

The purpose of China's infiltration efforts is often to gain access to sensitive national defense intelligence, develop espionage or "co-optee networks" in Taiwan, and even intervene in Taiwanese elections, the NSB report said.

The NSB is Taiwan's main intelligence agency, and is subordinate to the National Security Council.