China's Election Interference in Taiwan Explained

The following are both conventional and innovative ways China has sought to sway Taiwanese public opinion in the current election cycle.

Economic Warfare
Weaponizing two-way trade across the Taiwan Strait has been one of China's favorite tactics to squeeze Taiwan in recent years.

Military intimidation
In his resolute New Year's Eve address, Chinese leader Xi Jinping declared that Taiwan, which Beijing views as part of China's territory—will "surely be unified" with the mainland

Perks in China
Prosecutors in Taiwan are cracking down on local officials suspected of accepting bribes in the form of paid visits to China, typically involving all-expenses-paid guided tours, accommodation and meals—offered in exchange for their support for pro-Beijing policies at home.

Pressure on Expats
Taiwanese expatriates living in China are believed to be under pressure to support the main opposition Kuomintang party, which is traditionally viewed as being on friendlier terms with the Chinese government than is the ruling DPP.

Social Media Disinformation
China's influence operations are increasingly capitalizing on the algorithms of social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook and TikTok to disseminate a plethora of short videos filled with messaging that favors the Chinese Communist Party, according to Wang of INDSR.

[link to www.msn.com (secure)]