In a move that further ratchets up cross-strait tensions, Chinese police announced on Saturday, October 11, 2025, a bounty of $1,400 for information on 18 individuals identified as Taiwanese military psychological operations (PsyOps) officers. Beijing alleges these officers are actively disseminating ‘separatist’ messages, an accusation that comes just a day after Taiwan reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its defenses.
China staunchly considers democratically-governed Taiwan as its sovereign territory, a claim vehemently rejected by Taipei. This underlying territorial dispute has led to a consistent increase in military and political pressure from Beijing against the self-ruled island.
The Public Security Bureau in Xiamen, a Chinese city strategically located across the Taiwan Strait, released the names, photos, and Taiwanese identity card numbers of the 18 individuals. The bureau stated that these individuals are considered key operatives within Taiwan’s military ‘psychological warfare unit’.
According to the security bureau’s statement, this unit is responsible for various activities including disinformation campaigns, intelligence collection, psychological warfare, and propaganda broadcasting. The bureau asserted that these officers have ‘for a long time, plotted to incite separatist activities,’ and confirmed that rewards of up to 10,000 yuan (approximately $1,402 USD) would be offered for any information resulting in their apprehension.
China’s official Xinhua State News Agency further elaborated on the accusations in a separate report, claiming the unit ‘launched websites for smear campaigns, created seditious games to incite secession, produced fake video content to mislead people, operated illegal radios for ‘infiltration,’ and manipulated public opinion with resources from ‘external forces.’’
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense swiftly dismissed China’s allegations, characterizing them as indicative of ‘the despotic and pig-headed thinking of an authoritarian regime.’ The Ministry accused Beijing of attempting to ‘divide our people, belittle our government, and conduct cognitive warfare.’ It further stated that China frequently issues such reports, which ‘exploit the free flow of information in our democratic society to piece together and fabricate personal data.’ Reaffirming its commitment, the Ministry declared that ‘defending national security and protecting the safety and well-being of the people is the unshirkable duty of every military officer and soldier.’
Given that Taiwanese intelligence officers do not openly travel to mainland China and Beijing’s legal system holds no jurisdiction over Taiwan, this wanted notice is largely seen as a symbolic gesture.
The timing of this bounty follows closely on the heels of President Lai Ching-te’s pledge on Friday, October 10, 2025, to significantly enhance Taiwan’s defenses. President Lai also urged China to abandon any intentions of using force to claim the island. Beijing responded with strong condemnation, labeling President Ching-te as a ‘troublemaker’ and a ‘war-maker.’
This isn’t the first such incident; in June 2025, China offered a similar bounty for the arrest of 20 individuals it accused of being Taiwanese military hackers. Taiwan, on that occasion too, dismissed the threat, asserting its resolve not to be intimidated.