Taiwan has seen a “significant rise” in the number of individuals charged with suspicion of spying on behalf of China in recent years, according to new data released by the island’s security bureau, amid escalating intimidation by Beijing.

Taiwanese charged with suspicion of spying on behalf of China rose by a third to 64 people last year, the island's National Security Bureau said, adding most were current or retired soldiers. China has stepped up political and military pressure in recent years to back its claim that democratically governed Taiwan is its own territory.

Taiwan's intelligence bureau highlights an espionage surge as China's spy agencies collaborate with criminal entities to extract defense intelligence. Retired military personnel are a major target, leading to increased arrests,

Taiwan has revealed a troubling report about how China is trying to secretly infiltrate the island. The National Security Bureau (NSB) of Taiwan shared details showing how China is using criminal gangs,

Taiwan's intelligence bureau said China's main spy agency was working with criminal gangs, shell companies and other dubious partners to gain intelligence on Taipei's defenses, resulting in a major increase in those arrested for alleged espionage on the island.