China's "hybrid warfare" tactics, encompassing maritime aggression and online disinformation, present a significant challenge not only to Taiwan but to the entire region, according to Joseph Wu, secretary-general of Taiwan’s National Security Council.
In an interview, Wu highlighted that China's deployment of coast guard vessels to enforce territorial claims, rebranding such actions as routine police work, is a novel form of pressure. Taiwan's defense ministry further detailed these concerns, stating that China is increasing military activities near the island and refining its capabilities for a potential assault.
The ministry's biennial defense report indicated that China employs "grey zone" tactics, which include non-combat operations like coast guard patrols and damage to undersea cables, alongside joint combat readiness patrols and targeted military exercises. China's coast guard is reportedly expanding its activities around Taiwan and may coordinate with the military to implement "aggressive containment measures" while rehearsing attack scenarios.
Furthermore, China is accused of using "hybrid warfare" to erode public trust in Taiwan's government and reduce support for defense spending. This includes employing artificial intelligence tools to weaken Taiwan's cybersecurity and identify vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. The report also noted China's use of a "professional cyber army" to manipulate social media, spread misinformation, and sow division within Taiwanese society.
Beijing has also utilized deepfake technology and AI-generated content to produce "polarizing political rhetoric," aiming to weaken morale and the will to fight. The ministry warned that China could shift military drills into active combat mode to catch Taiwan and its international supporters off guard, posing a threat to regional peace and security. China has also developed specialized equipment for amphibious landings and extensively used civilian merchant vessels for military transport.
Taiwan, which China considers its territory, has faced escalating military pressure from Beijing since 2022. In response, Taiwan's government has initiated a military modernization program and pledged to increase defense spending to five percent of its GDP by 2030.
