Determining the exact number of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) spies operating in Taiwan is challenging due to the clandestine nature of espionage activities. However, recent data from Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB) indicates a significant increase in espionage cases:
• Prosecutions: The number of individuals prosecuted for Chinese espionage rose from 16 in 2021 to 64 in 2024, marking a fourfold increase.
• Target Demographics: In 2024, active-duty and retired military personnel constituted the majority of those prosecuted, with 28 active-duty members (43%) and 15 retirees (23%) implicated.
• Recruitment Channels: The CCP employs various methods to infiltrate Taiwanese society, including collaborations with local gangs, shell companies, religious groups, and nonprofit organizations. These entities are used to recruit individuals and gather sensitive information.
While these figures reflect the number of prosecutions, the actual number of CCP spies in Taiwan is likely higher, as not all operatives are detected or apprehended. In 2017, Taiwan’s national security authorities estimated that approximately 5,000 individuals were collecting intelligence on behalf of the Chinese government. This estimate underscores the extensive nature of CCP espionage efforts in Taiwan.
The increasing trend in espionage activities highlights the ongoing and evolving efforts by the CCP to infiltrate and gather intelligence within Taiwan. Taiwanese authorities continue to strengthen counter-espionage measures to address this growing threat.
