Taiwan’s National Security Bureau says suspected efforts to influence the Nov. 28, 2026, local elections are aimed at specific groups and audiences, as it warns of cyber activity and disinformation.
NSB Director-General Tsai Ming-yen outlined six suspected methods in remarks reported by Central News Agency (CNA) on Oct. 22. The list included illegal funding for selected candidates or political groups; China trips for supporters of selected candidates or campaign organizers; and discounted return flights for selected Taiwan residents in China.
The other alleged methods were false or controversial online material, illegal betting pools and cyber intrusions to obtain election-related intelligence. CNA reported that Tsai cited bureau intelligence indicating discounted tickets could become available about three weeks before voting. He said the NSB was collecting evidence and hoped to refer potential cases to judicial authorities before election day.
The NSB’s account identified candidates and political groups it said Beijing supports as possible beneficiaries. Tsai did not name a payer or give fare amounts for the travel offers in the remarks reported by CNA.
A report the NSB submitted to lawmakers put the average number of daily intrusion attempts against Taiwan’s Government Service Network at 2.58 million through September 2026. The report’s monthly tally was 185.6 million in July and 106.4 million in August. The bureau said it could not rule out a connection between increased cyber activity and preparations for election interference.
For January through September, the NSB counted more than 2.5 million disputed items online.
Its report put the comparable total for 2025 at more than 1.69 million, making the latest count about 48% higher.
Reuters said in a report dated Oct. 21 that China’s Taiwan Affairs Office had not yet answered its inquiry about the NSB’s findings.
Taiwan’s Central Election Commission has scheduled the local public officials’ election for Nov. 28, 2026.
