The announcement came a day after Taiwan declared plans to strengthen its self-defense measures. China considers democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory, though Taipei’s government strongly rejects that claim.

The police department in Xiamen city, located just across the Taiwan Strait, said the 18 suspects are senior officials in Taiwan’s military psychological warfare unit. Authorities released their photos, names, and Taiwanese ID numbers.

According to state media outlet Xinhua, the suspects are accused of creating websites aimed at spreading disinformation, developing online games encouraging Chinese citizens to support Taiwan’s separation, producing fake videos to mislead the public, launching illegal radio stations for propaganda purposes, and using foreign funding to influence Chinese public opinion.

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Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense condemned the accusations, saying they reveal “the arrogance and malice of an authoritarian regime trying to divide the people, discredit the government, and wage cognitive warfare.”

Observers note that the wanted notice is largely symbolic, since Taiwan’s intelligence or military officials do not operate openly in mainland China, and Beijing’s legal system has no jurisdiction over the self-ruled island.

On Friday, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te pledged to boost national defense, urging China to abandon its use of force to take Taiwan. In response, Beijing lashed out, labeling Lai as “a warmonger and a troublemaker.”

In June this year, China made a similar announcement, offering rewards for 20 people it accused of being “military hackers” in Taiwan’s armed forces. Taiwan dismissed the move as a form of intimidation, saying it would never be cowed by such threats.