According to a recent National Security Bureau (NSB) report, China has been targeting Taiwanese youth with united front tactics promoting reunification under the guise of cultural activities. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) and the Justice Ministry’s Investigation Bureau joined the NSB Thursday at the Legislature to discuss the evolving threat China poses to Taiwan’s national security.
The NSB pointed out that during the first four months of 2025, Chinese aircraft have invaded Taiwan’s airspace more than 1,200 times, nearly three times more than the number of incursions during the same period in 2024. Late February’s unannounced “shooting exercise” constituted a new form of grey zone harassment, they said.
Per the Investigation Bureau, China has stepped up its united front efforts at the grassroots level, as well. They explained they have been using common religious beliefs, festivals, and other cultural ties to enforce a distorted historical narrative that undermines Taiwan’s national identity among young Taiwanese. The MAC said China has continued to release a number of measures promoting integration, including encouraging artists, social media celebrities, and Chinese spouses of Taiwanese citizens to promote reunification; they have also availed opportunities to foment doubt toward the United States among Taiwanese businessmen.
NSB Deputy Director Huang Ming-chao (黃明昭) said China’s strategy goes beyond military intimidation and that they are attempting to weaken domestic unity in Taiwan. He emphasized that the NSB will work with the relevant agencies to address the situation. The MAC added that the government will actively implement its four-pillar plan for peace along with the 17 response strategies against national security threats proposed by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) in March.