Taipei, Oct. 13 -- China is likely to step up information warfare to influence Taiwan's upcoming Taipei mayoral election, with Beijing potentially relying on deepfake videos, fake online accounts and targeted disinformation to manipulate public opinion, according to an official familiar with China's united front operations.

The official warned that Beijing could increasingly turn to digital tactics as conventional methods of political influence become more difficult, as reported by The Taipei Times.

According to The Taipei Times, the official said the limited number of Chinese immigrant spouses contesting the upcoming local elections and the absence of large nationwide campaigns had reduced concerns about direct mobilisation through the...