Beijing / Taipei, October 11, 2025 (Agencies) China has announced cash bounties for information leading to the arrest of 18 Taiwanese military personnel accused of conducting separatist psychological operations, in a move that has further heightened cross-strait tensions.
The Xiamen Public Security Bureau in Fujian Province issued the notice, offering rewards of up to 10,000 yuan (around 1,400 US dollars) for details that could help apprehend the targeted individuals. Beijing identified them as core members of Taiwan’s Psychological Operations Battalion under the island’s Political Warfare Bureau.
According to Chinese authorities, the accused officers allegedly engaged in a range of activities including disinformation campaigns, producing fake videos, operating illegal radio broadcasts, designing seditious games, and manipulating public opinion with external support. Their names, photographs, and Taiwan identity card numbers were made public.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense strongly condemned the move, calling it an example of China’s cognitive warfare tactics aimed at sowing division and intimidating its population. Taipei rejected Beijing’s legal claims, asserting that Chinese laws have no jurisdiction over Taiwan.
Security analysts said the bounties are largely symbolic and form part of China’s broader information warfare strategy rather than a practical legal measure. The move mirrors similar actions taken earlier this year when Beijing targeted Taiwanese military hackers, marking a continued escalation of psychological and legal pressure on the island.
The development comes amid growing military and political friction between China and Taiwan, as Beijing intensifies its efforts to undermine Taiwan’s democratic institutions and strategic resilience.