In a move that further escalates tensions between China and Taiwan, Beijing’s Ministry of State Security has accused a group of Taiwanese hackers, allegedly backed by Taipei’s defense ministry, of targeting websites in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The ministry claims the hacker group, known as “Anonymous64,” is a “cyber army” supported by Taiwan’s Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command (ICEFCOM).
According to the Ministry of State Security, the group is engaged in online ideological battles against the mainland, targeting websites with content critical of the Chinese Communist Party. Beijing alleges that ICEFCOM has been targeting mainland defense, military industries, and other critical areas since 2017.
The accusations come amid deteriorating cross-strait relations, particularly after Lai Ching-te, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which leans towards independence, assumed leadership in Taiwan in May. Beijing strongly opposes Taiwan’s independence.
ICEFCOM has denied the allegations, stating that its role is to provide defense information and maintain cybersecurity. The Ministry of State Security has released screenshots linked to an account on X called “Anonymous64,” which was created on June 4 last year, the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown. The account has posted claims of hacking mainland institutions to display content critical of the Chinese Communist Party.
Beijing also claims that “Anonymous64” exaggerated its hacking successes, often targeting fake or dormant websites. The ministry is investigating three ICEFCOM officials allegedly responsible for the attacks and has urged Chinese websites and internet users to guard against cyberattacks and report any suspicious activity.
The ministry emphasized its commitment to fighting separatism and espionage involving Taiwan.
This incident highlights the growing cyber warfare landscape in the region. Recently, the U.S. and Taiwan have been working together to bolster their drone industry cooperation, aiming to create supply chains independent of China. This initiative underscores efforts to “de-risk” supply chains amid U.S.-China competition and security concerns over Chinese products with dual civilian and military uses.
China has reportedly allocated around $15 billion to military exercises in the Western Pacific in 2023, highlighting its increasing military investment in the vicinity of Taiwan and neighboring regions. This move is part of Beijing’s broader strategy to assert its influence and readiness in the region.
China’s ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, recently issued a stern warning to the U.S. regarding interference in China’s sovereignty, particularly concerning Taiwan. This diplomatic address underscores the critical nature of the Taiwan issue in U.S.-China relations.
The accusations from Beijing further exacerbate tensions between the two sides, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in the region. It remains to be seen how Taiwan and its allies will respond to these accusations, and how this incident will impact the ongoing political and military dynamics between China and Taiwan.
