China vows 'resolute countermeasures' after Taiwan launches intelligence tip-off website

China on Wednesday condemned Taiwan's decision to launch a website encouraging Chinese nationals to share intelligence with Taipei and warned that it would take "resolute countermeasures" against the move, which Beijing said undermined cross-strait relations.

The dispute centres on a new platform launched by Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB), which invites Chinese citizens "who share the same values of democracy" to collaborate in reporting information about Beijing.

Taiwan's NSB introduced the platform on Sunday and accompanied its launch with a one-minute, AI-generated video depicting a Chinese civil servant watching colleagues being removed and investigated. The agency said the video reflected "a pervasive atmosphere that everyone is on edge under China's totalitarian regime".

The NSB also said an "increasing number" of people have approached agencies on the self-ruled island "wishing to provide various types of information".

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Beijing warns of legal consequences

Responding to the initiative, China's Taiwan Affairs Office accused Taipei of damaging cross-strait relations and criticised the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's approach.

According to state broadcaster CCTV, Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Chen Binhua said the website "undermined cross-strait relations" and reflected the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's "persistent confrontational mindset".

"We strongly condemn these actions and will take resolute countermeasures," Chen said.

He also warned that anyone supplying intelligence to Taiwan's agencies would face legal consequences.

"Chinese citizens, political parties, people's organisations, enterprises, public institutions, and other social organisations all bear the responsibility and obligation to safeguard national security," he added.

Tensions remain high across the Taiwan Strait

China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly threatened to use force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan, meanwhile, has accused Beijing of deploying espionage and infiltration tactics to weaken its defences.

Beijing has regularly sent fighter jets, warships and coast guard vessels near Taiwan and has conducted several major military exercises around the island in recent years.