China Accused of Using AI to Spread Disinformation and Stir Division in Taiwan

Taiwan’s security officials have raised fresh concerns over China’s growing use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to spread false information and manipulate public opinion. According to Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, the campaign is part of a broader strategy to divide the Taiwanese population and interfere with the island’s democratic processes.

Authorities reported detecting over 500,000 pieces of misleading or manipulated content in 2025 alone, much of it distributed via social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok. Many of these messages appeared during politically sensitive moments, such as national addresses and key policy announcements.

China’s use of AI-driven tools, including deepfake videos and fabricated social media comments, is said to form part of an ongoing “cognitive warfare” effort, an advanced form of propaganda that targets the thoughts and emotions of the public.

In response, Taiwan has adopted a comprehensive strategy involving multiple government agencies to identify and combat disinformation. Thousands of suspicious messages have been flagged, and the government is working closely with international partners to strengthen digital defenses and media literacy.

The rise of AI in information warfare is creating new challenges for democracies worldwide. Taiwan’s experience highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard truth and protect public discourse in the age of AI-generated manipulation.