TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (國防部) refuted claims Wednesday (Dec. 3) about military intelligence activities in Europe, attributing the misinformation to a Chinese community group in Hungary. The ministry emphasized that the allegations circulating online are completely false and misleading. Officials emphasized China's growing threat to Taiwan's intelligence operations, underscoring challenges to national security and information warfare.
Six high-ranking officials from the ministry's Military Intelligence Bureau (軍事情報局) traveled to the Netherlands in May for intelligence exchanges with Dutch counterparts. Online posts later detailed their complete itinerary, including a sightseeing tour before a half-day meeting with the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD). The posts disclosed meeting images and personal details of all attendees, raising security concerns.
National Security Bureau Director Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) has called for an internal investigation to determine whether the leaks stem from human error or cybersecurity issues. Tsai mentioned the possibility of deliberate online manipulation targeting Taiwan's intelligence community.
The Military Intelligence Bureau clarified the mission, codenamed "Far Away Scheme" (相遠方案), which departed on May 4 at 11:30 p.m. and encountered a slight flight delay during travel. Despite the online narrative and leaked information, the bureau said it remains committed to its intelligence mission. Still, the bureau did not comment on the authenticity of the leaked images.
