Taiwan Dismisses China Hacking Accusations and Calls for Truth

China’s national security ministry claimed on Monday that a Taiwan military-backed hacking group, Anonymous 64, has been launching cyberattacks on Chinese targets. The ministry urged the public to report any “anti-propaganda sabotage.” Taiwan’s defense ministry swiftly denied these China hacking accusations, countering that China is the true perpetrator of cyberattacks and military harassment. According to China, Anonymous 64 is a part of Taiwan’s cyber warfare unit, working to spread content critical of China’s political system through websites, outdoor screens, and TV stations. In contrast, Taiwan often accuses China of launching cyberattacks and spreading disinformation aimed at destabilizing the democratically governed island.
Anonymous 64 claimed that their X account was created in June 2023, and they posted screenshots of efforts to broadcast videos comparing Chinese President Xi Jinping to an emperor, marking events like the anniversary of protests against China’s COVID-19 policies and the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations. One video featured a member of Anonymous 64 wearing the well-known Guy Fawkes mask, popularized by V for Vendetta. Taiwan firmly rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, maintaining that only the people of Taiwan have the right to decide their future.
In a blog post, China’s national security ministry did not clarify if Anonymous 64 is affiliated with the international hacking group. Reuters could not independently verify the group’s location or whether they were responsible for the alleged attacks. China’s investigation suggested that many of the websites Anonymous 64 claimed to have accessed were fake, had little traffic, or that some attacks had been fabricated through photoshopping. Additionally, the ministry opened a case against three members of Taiwan’s cyber warfare wing.
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo responded to these accusations, asserting that China is the true global leader in cyberattacks, frequently targeting Taiwan and other democratic nations. Premier Cho Jung-tai also dismissed the accusations, calling them an attempt to spread fake news aimed at discrediting Taiwan. He emphasized the need for Taiwan to respond decisively to such China hacking accusations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to defending the island against all forms of aggression, including cyber warfare.