Taiwan’s military officially rejected claims that its intelligence officers held a secret meeting with Dutch counterparts this year. The Military Intelligence Bureau (MIB) said the allegation originated from a foreign Chinese-linked group spreading misinformation online.
The controversy began when a post appeared on a Hungarian-based website, Europe Wanshida Web, over the weekend. The post claimed six MIB officers traveled to the Netherlands in May for a half-day intelligence meeting. It also alleged a follow-up visit last month involving Dutch officials visiting Taiwan.
MIB stated that the post distorted the facts and contradicted actual events. The bureau did not provide further details, but it emphasized that intelligence meeting exchanges between Taiwan and countries without formal diplomatic relations remain extremely rare.
The online post included images purportedly showing the Dutch visit, a flight ticket, and the names of officials involved. However, the military said these items misrepresented reality and were used to mislead readers.
National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen confirmed he instructed the MIB to investigate internally. Tsai said the bureau would determine whether the post breached information security rules or was part of a cognitive warfare campaign orchestrated by China.
Experts note that misinformation targeting Taiwan has intensified, particularly regarding sensitive intelligence operations. Analysts emphasized that false claims about an intelligence meeting could undermine public confidence and disrupt strategic communication channels.
Taiwanese authorities continue to monitor online platforms for similar disinformation campaigns. They also encouraged the public to rely on official statements when evaluating sensitive security matters.
The military’s statement reinforced Taiwan’s position that it maintains transparency and proper protocols while safeguarding national security. Officials said the intelligence meeting claims reflect the ongoing challenge posed by foreign influence operations targeting Taiwan.
The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and proactive information security within Taiwan’s military and national security agencies.
