Beijing spy drama breaks taboo, showcases Taiwan intelligence ops

China's state broadcaster CCTV, under the Ministry of State Security, aired a 40-episode series depicting real intelligence operations against Taiwan from 1998-2018, a rare public portrayal of cross-strait espionage. The move signals Beijing's intent to normalize and publicize its intelligence activities as part of broader political messaging on Taiwan sovereignty. It marks a shift in state media's handling of a previously sensitive topic, potentially reflecting heightened cross-strait tensions.