Taiwan’s defence ministry has warned that China is ramping up military activities around the island and improving its ability to launch a surprise attack, while simultaneously waging online “hybrid warfare” aimed at eroding public trust in the government.
In its biennial national defence report released Thursday, the ministry said Beijing has intensified “grey zone” operations non-combat tactics designed to exhaust Taiwan and undermine its security. These include the use of coast guard patrols, civilian vessels, damage to undersea cables, and surveillance balloons.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has staged at least seven large-scale war games around the island since 2022. The ministry warned that such exercises could quickly shift from drills to real attacks, catching Taiwan and its international allies off guard.
Why It Matters
The report underscores growing concern in Taipei and across the region about China’s readiness to use force to achieve unification. With Beijing integrating military, coast guard, and cyber operations, Taiwan fears that even minor provocations could escalate into conflict.
The warning comes as regional tensions heighten over the South China Sea and the U.S. increases its naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. Analysts say China’s evolving tactics including cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns, and the use of AI-generated propaganda reflect a broader strategy to weaken Taiwan from within before any direct assault.
Taiwan’s leadership, under President Lai Ching-te, has pledged to boost defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2030 and modernize its forces to counter Beijing’s military and technological advances.
China: Beijing continues to assert sovereignty over Taiwan, refusing to rule out the use of force. It has employed what Taiwan calls “grey zone harassment,” combining coast guard patrols, air incursions, and information warfare to pressure the island’s defences and morale.
Taiwan: The democratically governed island views China’s buildup as a “comprehensive threat.” Taipei accuses Beijing of using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to spread political disinformation and polarize public opinion ahead of key political moments, such as National Day.
United States and Allies: Washington maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan and has been increasing military coordination with regional partners such as Japan and the Philippines. The U.S. views Taiwan’s security as central to regional stability and has repeatedly warned China against military aggression.
What’s Next
The report’s release comes one day before President Lai’s National Day address, an event that often triggers Chinese military activity. Last year, Beijing held large-scale war games following the speech, calling it a warning against “separatist acts.”
Taiwan’s defence ministry expects China to continue its near-daily incursions into Taiwan’s air defence zone and naval patrols around the island. Officials also warn of a growing risk that Chinese “training” missions could be rapidly turned into real attacks.
While the report calls for vigilance and unity, it also stresses the need for international cooperation to counter China’s hybrid warfare and safeguard regional peace.
With information from Reuters.
