China continues to put pressure on Taiwan, using not only military power but also hacker attacks, as well as the influence of local celebrities to weaken the island’s desire for independence, reports the publication The Wall Street Journal.
The other day, Taiwan recorded a record number of Chinese military aircraft flying over the island – 153 units. This happened after large-scale exercises that Beijing spent near Taiwan. On Tuesday, the Taiwan Ministry of Defense said that the planes were noticed at 22:00 on Greenwich, which became the largest number in one day.
China involved fighters, drones, ships, and coast guard for Taiwan’s entourage. In response, Taiwan brought its forces into combat readiness and strengthened the defense on remote islands. Taiwan condemned China’s actions, calling them “irrational and provocative”, and the United States supported Taiwan’s position, calling Beijing’s maneuvers “unreasonable.”
Now, in addition to military pressure, China uses new tactics – cyber attacks and the influence of celebrities. According to The Wall Street Journal, Chinese hackers made more than 90,000 attempts at Taiwan attacks in August, the purpose of which was governmental objects. This is the highest indicator since the visit to Taiwan of the former speaker of the House of US representatives Nancy Pelosi two years ago.
Taiwanese authorities say that China also attracts famous Taiwanese celebrities to its campaign. According to the head of the Taiwanese National Security Bureau, Tsai Min-Jany, Beijing invites famous artists, show business, and politicians to promote pro-Chinese views. Some of them published cards of Chinese military exercises, supporting the policy of the “Unified China”.
In addition, as claimed in The Wall Street Journal, China spreads disinformation in order to weaken the US trust in Taiwan’s capabilities in self-defense. One example was false information that the captain of the Taiwanese fleet allegedly spent the night before the teachings in alcohol intoxication. The Ministry of Justice Taiwan has refuted this statement.