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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Conflict & Security

Taiwan NSB opens 'contact window' for Chinese intelligence

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) has established a "Chinese Public Contact Window" to collect intelligence and encourage information sharing from Chinese citizens.
  • The initiative, inspired by similar efforts from agencies like the CIA, aims to expand diverse intelligence sources amidst concerns over China's strict internet surveillance.
  • The NSB emphasizes stringent security measures and anonymity for contacts, using AI-generated videos to encourage participation and highlight the risks faced by individuals in China's system.

Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) has launched a new initiative, the "Chinese Public Contact Window," designed to create a secure channel for citizens within China and abroad to provide intelligence to Taiwan. This move, drawing inspiration from international intelligence agencies, aims to broaden Taiwan's sources of information on China's political, military, economic, and social landscape.

The NSB highlighted that the design of the contact window prioritizes "information security" and "identity protection," acknowledging the risks posed by China's extensive internet surveillance and the security vulnerabilities of Chinese-made mobile phones. To mitigate these risks, the NSB has provided detailed security guidelines for potential contacts. These include using foreign-brand mobile devices, performing factory resets, connecting to Wi-Fi networks that do not require real-name authentication, utilizing VPN software from Western providers, and employing incognito or private browsing modes.

Intelligence gathered through this window will undergo rigorous filtering using technological means and thorough evaluation by a professional team to ensure its validity and utility. This process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the information and the safety of the sources.

In a move mirroring the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) outreach efforts, the NSB has also produced a one-minute promotional video titled "Make a Change." This video, created using AI technology, depicts the anxieties of public officials in China's authoritarian system who witness colleagues being investigated and disappearing from their posts. It serves as a call to action, encouraging individuals in China and overseas to actively provide intelligence and contribute to change. The NSB stated it will continue to adapt and refine its intelligence activities in response to evolving international and Chinese situations to safeguard Taiwan's national security and interests.

Make a Change

— NSBTitle of the NSB's promotional video encouraging Chinese citizens to provide intelligence.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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