Chinese authorities have issued cash rewards for information on 18 Taiwanese military officers accused of spreading separatist propaganda online, in what Xiamen police described as part of efforts to counter “hostile disinformation.” The announcement marks a new escalation in Beijing’s campaign to discredit Taiwan’s armed forces and deter information operations, underscoring China’s growing use of public exposure and legal threats to pressure individuals linked to pro-independence or psychological-warfare activities.

The Bounty List and Allegations

Police in Xiamen, across from Kinmen, published photos, IDs, and personal details of Taiwanese officers, accusing them of spreading “false and inflammatory content” to undermine China’s unity. Authorities offered 5,000–10,000 yuan rewards for tips leading to arrests, calling the suspects “core members” of Taiwan’s psychological-warfare unit, and warned that backing “Taiwan independence” or “malicious disinformation” would bring “severe punishment.” External reports note a similar June 2024 notice on alleged Taiwanese “espionage networks,” which analysts say reflects Beijing’s tactic of naming and shaming to intimidate targets rather than pursue real prosecutions.

Taipei’s Response and Broader Context

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry dismissed the claims as “despotic and pig-headed thinking,” accusing Beijing of using cognitive warfare to “spread fear and divide society.” It vowed to resist threats and counter disinformation. Analysts say the bounties show China’s expanding psychological tactics—exposure, fake news, and social-media pressure—to erode trust in Taiwan’s institutions, as tensions stay high with Chinese patrols seen as part of a “gray-zone” strategy short of open conflict.