Taiwan's NSB opens channel for Chinese citizens to provide intelligence

Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) has established a "China Citizen Contact Window," a secure channel designed to facilitate contact with individuals in mainland China who wish to provide intelligence. The move comes amid increasing discontent among Chinese citizens due to economic challenges and the government's high-pressure political control.

The NSB stated that the new platform is intended to broadly collect intelligence on China's political, military, economic, and social landscape, in accordance with the "National Intelligence Work Act." This initiative also draws inspiration from intelligence agencies in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel, aiming to diversify intelligence sources.

Recognizing the strict internet surveillance and cybersecurity risks associated with Chinese-made mobile phones, the NSB has prioritized "information and communication security" and "identity confidentiality" in the design of the contact window's webpage. Users will be guided through six security protocols, which 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 companies, and employing incognito or private browsing modes.

The NSB also released a one-minute promotional video titled "Change," created using AI technology. The video depicts a public servant in China witnessing colleagues being investigated and disappearing, reflecting an atmosphere of pervasive anxiety. It encourages individuals within China and overseas to provide intelligence and actively seek change. The bureau affirmed its commitment to continuously review and enhance intelligence activities in response to evolving international and Chinese situations, providing a platform for Chinese citizens who support democratic ideals to deepen intelligence gathering on China and safeguard Taiwan's national security and interests.