As Taiwan's election nears, China has released a propaganda piece on President Tsai Ing-wen that is being spread across multiple social media platforms in an apparent attempt to interfere in the election.

This time, the efforts are subtler, focusing on magnifying existing anxieties, such as government corruption and shortages of eggs, power and labor.

“What they want to amplify are real issues in Taiwan,” said Austin Wang, an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, who studies disinformation in the U.S. and Taiwan. “Their strategy has become more skilled and more long-term.”

The issue of identity – and Taiwan’s relationship with China – has been one of the most significant political divisions on the island, and surveys show it was closely linked to voting patterns in previous elections.

From pineapples to petrochemicals, Beijing uses trade to influence opinion, but analysts say it has little impact.

Taiwan will hold its contentious presidential and legislative election on January 13, with millions of Taiwanese voters expected to vote and elect a new president to lead the democratic island amid heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

A guide to this month’s vote which will determine who runs the island for the next four years.

Tsai wields lightsaber, poses with Baby Yoda at hobbyist event.