Chinese authorities have announced a reward of up to 10,000 yuan (approximately 1,400 U.S. dollars) for information leading to the identification or arrest of 18 individuals allegedly serving in Taiwan’s military psychological operations unit, which they have accused of engaging in “separatist” activities. According to Reuters, China’s public security bureau claims these individuals are “core members of the Taiwan military’s psychological warfare unit,” responsible for operations including disinformation campaigns, intelligence gathering, psychological manipulation, and the dissemination of anti-China propaganda.

In response, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry condemned China’s measures as “despotic and pig-headed thinking of an authoritarian regime … trying to divide our people, belittle our government, and conduct cognitive warfare.” The Xiamen police statement, by contrast, framed the bounty as a lawful measure against “Taiwan independence extremists” and urged Taiwanese “compatriots” to help draw a line against separatism. Analysts and regional observers have noted this is not the first time Beijing has used bounties targeting Taiwanese actors: earlier in June, China issued a similar reward for alleged Taiwanese military hackers.

While China’s announcement may appear to assert control over perceived separatist threats, it ultimately reflects an approach rooted in coercion rather than constructive engagement. Issuing monetary bounties for alleged “separatists” undermines the principles of dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful conflict resolution. Such measures can deepen mistrust and reinforce a zero-sum mentality that leaves little room for reconciliation or cooperation. From a peace-building perspective, this escalation in cognitive and psychological warfare is troubling, as genuine security cannot be achieved through fear or suppression for either country. A more sustainable and holistic path forward would focus on cross-strait dialogue and open exchanges that emphasize the shared history and security of both Taiwan and China.

Tensions across the Taiwan Strait have long revolved around questions of sovereignty, national identity, and regional influence. Since 1949, Beijing has regarded Taiwan as a breakaway province destined for what the BBC calls “‘peaceful reunification’ – a long-term goal [of China’s] to win over the island’s population through soft power and CCP-sponsored messaging that shows unification in a positive light,” while Taiwan has continued to operate as a self-governing democracy with its own political institutions and armed forces. In recent years, China’s approach has evolved beyond traditional military posturing to encompass more sophisticated forms of hybrid pressure, including disinformation campaigns, cyber intrusions, and targeted influence operations aimed at shaping public sentiment within Taiwan and internationally. Previous attempts, such as China’s earlier issuance of bounties for alleged Taiwanese cyber personnel, were widely dismissed by Taipei as intimidation tactics rather than legitimate legal enforcement.

Looking ahead, if cognitive warfare tactics continue to escalate unchecked, the political space for open discourse and mutual understanding across the Taiwan Strait may steadily dissipate. Beijing’s reliance on coercive psychological strategies reflects a growing preference for control – a trajectory that undermines the very foundations of regional stability and lasting peace. For both China and Taiwan, the challenge moving forward lies in rebuilding a framework for dialogue grounded in truth and mutual security. The international community, too, bears a responsibility to encourage de-escalation and promote mechanisms that safeguard the autonomy of both countries. Only through genuine engagement and respect for democratic principles can the region move toward a more stable and peaceful future.