The Taiwanese authorities have set up a dedicated website through which Chinese citizens can pass on intelligence – the country’s National Security Bureau (NSB) announced this on 14 June.
“In recent years, China’s economy has faced increasing difficulties, whilst political control remains tight. Combined with a growing range of social and livelihood issues, these conditions are fuelling public discontent,” the statement said.
As quoted by Reuters, the agency commented that the site is aimed at people who are “tired of the system and want change” against a backdrop of economic problems and increased control by the Chinese authorities.
The agency called on Chinese citizens both within the country and abroad to share information. The website is blocked in mainland China.
Taipei noted that it is using an approach previously employed by the intelligence services of the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel.
The Chinese authorities have not yet commented on the NSB’s statement.
In 2024, the Chinese authorities also launched a dedicated email address for reports of “crimes committed by Taiwanese separatists”.
Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes official contacts between other states and the Taiwanese authorities. The Taiwanese authorities, for their part, reject the “one country, two systems” model proposed by China, which Beijing uses as the basis for a possible reunification.