China Offers Reward for Information on Taiwan’s ‘Psychological Warfare Unit’ Accused of Promoting Separatism

Chinese police on Saturday announced a reward of $1,400 for information leading to 18 individuals it identified as officers in Taiwan’s military psychological operations unit, accusing them of spreading “separatist” propaganda. The announcement came a day after Taiwan vowed to strengthen its national security.

Despite strong objections from Taipei, Beijing considers self-ruled Taiwan part of its territory and has intensified military and political pressure on the island.

The Public Security Bureau in Xiamen, a city opposite Taiwan across the Taiwan Strait, said the 18 individuals were core members of Taiwan’s “psychological warfare unit.” It released their photos, names, and Taiwan ID numbers.

According to the bureau, the unit is responsible for disinformation campaigns, intelligence gathering, psychological warfare, and propaganda dissemination.

“They have long conspired to incite separatist activities,” the bureau said, adding that tip-offs leading to their capture would be rewarded with up to 10,000 yuan ($1,401.74).

In a separate report, China’s state news agency Xinhua said the group had launched smear campaigns through websites, developed “traitorous” games promoting separatism, produced fake videos to mislead the public, operated illegal radio stations for infiltration, and used “foreign resources” to influence public opinion.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense dismissed the allegations, saying they reflected “the autocratic and absurd mindset of an authoritarian regime attempting to divide our people, undermine our government, and wage cognitive warfare.”

The ministry added that China frequently releases such reports, “fabricating information by exploiting the free flow of data in our democratic society.”

“Safeguarding national security and protecting the safety and well-being of our people is the solemn duty of every military officer and soldier,” it said.

The wanted notice is largely symbolic, as Taiwan’s intelligence officers do not operate openly in mainland China, and Beijing’s legal system has no jurisdiction over the island.

On Friday, President Lai Ching-te pledged to bolster Taiwan’s defenses and urged China to renounce the use of force to seize the island. Beijing reacted angrily, labeling Lai a “troublemaker” and “war instigator.”

In June, China had issued a similar bounty for 20 individuals it accused of being Taiwanese military hackers. Taipei dismissed that move, saying it would not be intimidated.

($1 = 7.1340 yuan)