Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said China is training for a surprise invasion, combining military action with cyberattacks and disinformation in a “hybrid warfare.”
China is preparing for a surprise strike on Taiwan, — Defense Ministry
China is increasing military activity around Taiwan and improving its ability to launch a surprise attack while waging hybrid warfare in the information space, according to a report released by Taiwan’s Defense Ministry on Thursday.
Over the past five years, Beijing has held at least seven large-scale military exercises near the island, using both direct and “gray-zone” pressure methods.
“The Chinese communists are systematically employing hybrid pressure methods — from military patrols and cyberattacks to psychological operations, creating a comprehensive threat to our security,” the report said.
“Gray zone” and invasion scenarios
Taiwan considers “gray zone” actions that are not direct war, but have a destabilizing effect:
- patrols by Chinese coast guard ships;
- damage to underwater cables;
- launching surveillance missiles.
The Ministry of Defense warns that these actions could escalate into military aggression when the exercises turn into real combat operations.
China is also actively engaging civilian roll-on/roll-off vessels to transport military equipment and developing equipment for marine landings.
Hybrid warfare and artificial intelligence attacks
The report emphasizes that China is using hybrid tactics to undermine public trust in the Taiwanese government and reduce support for the defense budget.
Among the methods:
- using AI to attack cybersecurity and identify vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure;
- creating fake videos (deepfakes);
- manipulating social media to spread disinformation and divide society.
Chinese state media and affiliated accounts are systematically weakening the “will to resist” among the population, the report says.
Taiwan strengthens defenses
Taiwanese President Lai Tsing-de, whom Beijing considers a “separatist,” rejects China’s claims to sovereignty and says the island’s future is determined solely by its citizens.
Taiwan is modernizing its armed forces and plans to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030.
The report comes ahead of the president’s national address, after which China will hold exercises in 2024 as a “warning” to Taipei.
Daily tension
Although China’s last major exercises took place in April, PLA warplanes and ships appear near Taiwan almost daily.
Analysts believe that Beijing is testing the reaction of Taipei’s allies — the United States, Japan, and Australia — to a possible surprise attack scenario.
Related: Taiwan Ramps Up Patrols to Guard Undersea Cables Amid Suspected Chinese Sabotage
