China Accuses Taiwan-Backed Hacker Group Of Targeting Beijing Amid Deteriorating Cross-Strait Relations

Beijing's top intelligence agency has accused a group of Taiwanese hackers, allegedly backed by Taipei's defense ministry, of targeting websites in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, according to an article published by the Ministry of State Security on Monday.

What Happened: The hacker group, known as “Anonymous64,” is described as a “cyber army” supported by Taiwan’s Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command (ICEFCOM). Beijing claims the group is engaged in online ideological battles against the mainland, South China Morning Post reported on Monday.

Beijing’s accusations come amid deteriorating cross-strait relations, particularly after Lai Ching-te assumed leadership in Taiwan in May. Lai is a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which leans towards independence, a stance that Beijing strongly opposes.

ICEFCOM has denied the allegations, stating that its role is to provide defense information and maintain cybersecurity. The Ministry of State Security 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 alleges that ICEFCOM has been targeting mainland defense, military industries, and other critical areas since 2017.

The ministry also claimed that “Anonymous64” exaggerated its hacking successes, often targeting fake or dormant websites. It is investigating three ICEFCOM officials allegedly responsible for the attacks.

Beijing’s Ministry of State Security 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.

Why It Matters: The accusations from Beijing come at a time of escalating tensions between China and Taiwan. 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.

Additionally, 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.

Moreover, 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.

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