TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Monday (Sept. 23) denied Beijing's accusations that three Taiwanese soldiers are behind recent alleged cyberattacks in China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

On Monday, China's state-run CCTV published a report by China's Ministry of State Security alleging that a hacker organization called “Anonymous 64” has gained access to websites, outdoor electronic billboards, and TV streaming services to upload and broadcast content that “defames the mainland’s political system and major policies.” It claimed that an investigation revealed that the group is part of the MND's Information, Communications, and Electronic Force Command (ICEFCOM).

The ministry alleged that the group is part of a wing of the ICEFCOM responsible for carrying out “cyber cognitive and public opinion warfare” against China. In June 2023, Anonymous 64 purportedly registered multiple social media accounts and “brazenly launched cyberattacks and counter-propaganda sabotage activities.”

The article said ICEFCOM was established in June 2017 as the fourth military branch and was restructured in 2022 as a direct entity under the MND. It claimed the branch's primary responsibilities are “electronic warfare, information warfare, cyber warfare, and the maintenance and management of military communications.”

The report alleged that ICEFCOM has carried out cyber infiltration and sabotage activities against China, “attempting to steal sensitive data and gather intelligence for Taiwan's authorities.” It added that ICEFCOM “frequently distorts public opinion online, hires internet trolls to stir up trouble, amplifies conflicts, and incites divisions for its gain.”

The state security ministry posted the photos and names of three Taiwanese nationals who it claimed were ICEFCOM soldiers. It said national security authorities have filed investigations against the three individuals.

On Monday, the MND responded that the ICEFCOM is responsible for performing tasks such as maintaining national defense information and cybersecurity. It said the accusations from China are not factual. 

The ICEFCOM said enemy cyber threats are severe. The People's Liberation Army and its allied forces harass Taiwan with military aircraft, naval vessels, cyberattacks, and other means, making them the “instigators of regional instability," it said.

The command pledged to follow the MND's guidance to ensure national security.

Anonymous 64 defacement of PLA school website on March 16.