China warns of “Resolute Countermeasures” over Taiwan intelligence-reporting website

Wednesday 17 June 2026 - 10:00

China has vowed to take what it described as “resolute countermeasures” following the launch of a new Taiwanese website designed to collect information from individuals in mainland China, escalating already tense relations between Beijing and Taipei.

The website, reportedly established by Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB), is intended to gather intelligence-related tips and confidential information about activities in China. The initiative has drawn strong criticism from Chinese authorities, who view it as an attempt to encourage espionage and undermine national security.

Beijing reacted firmly to the development, warning that individuals providing sensitive information to Taiwanese authorities would face legal consequences. Chinese officials stated that such actions would be prosecuted under existing national security laws.

The Chinese government reiterated its position that Taiwan remains an inseparable part of its territory and described any attempts to engage in intelligence-gathering activities targeting the mainland as hostile and destabilizing. Officials accused Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of promoting policies that intensify political confrontation and damage cross-strait relations.

Relations between China and Taiwan have been strained for decades, with Beijing considering the island a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland. While China has stated a preference for peaceful reunification, it has repeatedly refused to rule out the use of force.

Taiwan, governed independently since 1949, maintains its own political and security institutions. Under President Tsai Ing-wen’s administration since 2016, the island has adopted a firmer stance on sovereignty, further deepening political divisions with Beijing.

Chinese officials argued that the newly launched website represents an escalation in intelligence activities aimed at the mainland and accused Taiwan of engaging in infiltration and sabotage operations. They warned that such actions would be met with strong and coordinated responses.

The situation reflects the broader geopolitical tensions across the Taiwan Strait, where issues of sovereignty, security, and international influence continue to fuel diplomatic friction. Analysts say that information warfare and cyber-related intelligence activities have become increasingly central to the rivalry between the two sides.

As both governments maintain firm positions, observers warn that incidents involving digital intelligence tools could further complicate already fragile cross-strait relations, adding new layers of tension to an already sensitive geopolitical landscape.