Taiwan is tightening security around its troops before next year's local elections, worried that China will use soldiers as a way in — a defensive move, but one that signals how deep the infiltration problem has gone.

• Taipei prosecutors are running anti-vote-buying sessions at military police units in Taipei and New Taipei.
• The focus has widened beyond bribery to AI deepfakes, fake news, and cross-border election meddling.
• Officials warn foreign agents may approach soldiers to fish for election intelligence and military secrets.
• Recent cases involve young officers allegedly recruited by a Chinese-linked network as far back as their junior-lieutenant days.
• Troops, civilian staff, and military families are all being pulled into the training, alongside veterans' groups near bases.

Outlook: Expect more of these joint prosecutor-military police efforts as the election nears, with deepfake videos aimed at shaking troop morale the main worry.