Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB) has released an analysis of China’s invasion tactics, which is about Beijing’s efforts to use military veterans to recruit active service members.

The brief report, “Analysis of Aggression Tactics in China’s Espionage Prosecutions,” released on Sunday said the number of people prosecuted in Taiwan for Chinese espionage has risen significantly in recent years, from 16 in 2021 to 64 in 2024. The report was released by the NSB, Taiwan’s main intelligence agency and under the National Security Council.

According to the NSB, targets of Chinese invasion attempts included government agencies, local associations and military units. The NSB said 15 military veterans and 28 active-duty service members were prosecuted in 2024, accounting for 23 percent and 43 percent of all Chinese espionage cases, respectively.

As for the infiltration routes, the NSB said China established links with criminal gangs, local temples and religious groups and civil organizations, and helped retired military personnel set up front companies and underground banks or casinos.

According to the report, Chinese operatives, through these channels, frequently try to use retired military personnel to recruit active service members, establish networks online, or lure targets with money or leverage their credit.

For example, military personnel with financial difficulties can be given loans through online platforms or underground banks to share intelligence, sign loyalty pledges or recruit others, the NSB noted.

During the election campaign, China organized all-expenses-paid trips for Taiwanese village chiefs to visit China to support candidates for specific parties, Taiwan News reported, citing the report.

In a case made public last week, the Taiwanese government charged the founder of a small political party in Miaoli and six other retired military officers with receiving money for sharing pictures and GPS coordinates of Taiwanese military installations, Taiwan News reported.

The Fukang Alliance Party, founded by the group’s leader and allegedly funded by China, fielded four questionable candidates in Taiwan’s 2024 legislative elections. But neither candidate came close to being elected.

According to the report, China’s intrusion efforts are often aimed at gaining access to sensitive national security intelligence, developing espionage or “collaboration networks” in Taiwan, and meddling in Taiwanese elections.