China threatens 'countermeasures' after Taiwan launches website for Beijing intelligence leaks

Beijing: China on Wednesday strongly criticised Taiwan after the island's National Security Bureau (NSB) launched an online platform aimed at collecting information from Chinese citizens willing to share intelligence about activities inside mainland China.

The website, unveiled by Taiwan's NSB on Sunday, invites Chinese nationals who "share the same values of democracy" to cooperate with Taiwanese authorities by providing information related to Beijing's activities.

The platform was introduced alongside a one-minute AI-generated promotional video depicting a Chinese civil servant witnessing colleagues being removed and investigated by authorities. According to Taiwan's NSB, the video was intended to highlight what it described as an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty under China's political system.

Beijing warns of legal consequences

Responding to the initiative, China's Taiwan Affairs Office accused Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of deliberately undermining relations across the Taiwan Strait.

Spokesman Chen Binhua condemned the website and warned that China would respond firmly.

"We strongly condemn these actions and will take resolute countermeasures," Chen said.

He also warned that individuals who provide intelligence to Taiwanese agencies could face legal consequences under Chinese law.

"Chinese citizens, political parties, people's organisations, enterprises, public institutions, and other social organisations all bear the responsibility and obligation to safeguard national security," Chen said.

Taiwan says more people are willing to share information

Taiwan's National Security Bureau defended the creation of the platform, stating that an increasing number of people had approached Taiwanese agencies seeking to provide various forms of information.

The bureau said the platform was designed to offer a secure channel for such individuals and forms part of Taiwan's broader efforts to counter espionage and influence operations allegedly carried out by Beijing.

Taipei has repeatedly accused China of using intelligence operations, cyber activities and infiltration efforts to undermine Taiwan's security and democratic institutions.

Military tensions remain high

The dispute comes as military activity around Taiwan continues to draw attention.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said it detected six Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy vessels operating around the island as of Wednesday morning. Taiwanese armed forces monitored the movements and responded accordingly.

The ministry reported a similar presence of six Chinese naval vessels around Taiwan on Tuesday as well.

Although no Chinese military aircraft were detected during the reporting period, Beijing continues to maintain regular naval and air operations near the island.

Taiwan strengthens defence capabilities

The latest political dispute also coincides with Taiwan's ongoing efforts to modernise its military capabilities.

Earlier this month, Taiwan's first domestically built submarine departed from the Port of Kaohsiung for another round of sea trials, including submerged navigation and diving tests.

According to Taiwanese military reports, the exercise marked the submarine's 15th overall sea trial and its ninth underwater navigation test.

The project forms part of Taiwan's broader strategy to strengthen its defence capabilities amid growing pressure from Beijing.

Long-running dispute over Taiwan's status

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has consistently stated that reunification remains a national objective. Beijing has not ruled out the use of force to achieve that goal.

Taiwan, however, operates with its own government, military, constitution and democratic political system, maintaining de facto independence despite not being widely recognised as a sovereign state by many countries.

The disagreement over Taiwan's status remains one of the most sensitive geopolitical issues in Asia and continues to shape relations between China, Taiwan and major international powers.

Fresh strain on already fragile relations

The launch of Taiwan's intelligence-reporting platform adds a new source of friction to already tense cross-strait relations. While Taipei argues that the initiative is aimed at enhancing national security, Beijing views it as a provocative move that encourages activities against Chinese state interests.

With China promising retaliatory measures and military activity around Taiwan remaining persistent, the latest dispute highlights the continuing rivalry and deep mistrust between the two sides.

(With AFP inputs)