China Targets Taiwan with Daily Cyber Attacks: DDoS and Man-in-the-Middle Strikes

Taiwan has become the target of relentless cyber attacks from China, with daily assaults that have escalated over the past year. According to reports, China has carried out an average of 2.6 million cyber attacks per day on Taiwan in 2025. This marks a staggering 113% increase compared to 2023, with Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks and Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks being the primary methods used.

China’s Ongoing Cyber Warfare Against Taiwan:

Taiwan has accused China of conducting these cyber attacks in coordination with military exercises, as part of a broader “hybrid warfare” strategy. The most targeted sectors in Taiwan are energy, emergency services, and healthcare. Reports indicate that China aims to disrupt Taiwan’s technological infrastructure, creating instability and making it difficult for Taiwan to function smoothly.

Since 2013, the frequency and intensity of these cyber attacks have grown, significantly impacting Taiwan’s operations. The cyber strikes are designed to weaken Taiwan’s defense and readiness, testing its vulnerability to online threats.

China’s Cyber Army:

The Chinese government has built a “cyber army” that works alongside its military and government sectors. Every time China has deployed military aircraft near Taiwan, the country has experienced a surge in cyber attacks. These coordinated cyber assaults are becoming an increasingly common tactic in China’s broader strategy of intimidation and destabilization.

What Are DDoS Attacks?

DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) is a type of cyber attack where hackers use a network of computers (bots) to overwhelm a specific website or server. These attacks target critical websites, such as those of hospitals, government agencies, or essential services, causing them to become unable to handle the massive influx of traffic. As a result, these websites become inaccessible to the public, causing disruption and hindering essential services.

In essence, a DDoS attack aims to incapacitate a website or server, rendering it useless for users. The purpose is to create chaos, prevent operations, and create a sense of instability by blocking access to key resources.

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks:

In addition to DDoS attacks, China is also targeting Taiwan through Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks. This type of cyber attack involves intercepting and manipulating communications between two parties. Cybercriminals insert themselves into the conversation between two people or systems, eavesdropping and attempting to compromise sensitive data. MitM attacks are typically used to steal personal information, login credentials, or other confidential data.

These sophisticated tactics are part of China’s broader effort to undermine Taiwan’s digital security, further straining the island’s defense and technological capabilities.

The Escalating Cyber Threat:

With such frequent and varied cyber attacks, Taiwan faces a persistent threat to its critical infrastructure. These attacks highlight the growing role of cyber warfare in global conflicts, with nations using digital means to destabilize rivals and gain strategic advantages. As the cyber battlefield expands, Taiwan continues to strengthen its defenses, but the scale and sophistication of China’s attacks present significant challenges.

In conclusion, China’s cyber attacks on Taiwan are a reminder of the growing importance of cybersecurity in modern geopolitical tensions, where digital warfare plays a critical role in influencing outcomes.