China is intensifying its use of hybrid warfare tactics against Taiwan, moving away from direct military confrontation and instead deploying coast guard vessels, scientific research ships, and exploiting legal gray zones to advance its strategic aims, according to a senior Taiwanese security official.
Shift to gray-zone operations
Ho Cheng-hui, Deputy Secretary-General of the Taiwan National Security Institute, stated that Beijing's actions indicate a growing reliance on gray-zone operations, as reported by The Taipei Times. Speaking on the evolving regional security environment, Ho noted that with conflicts in Ukraine and Iran appearing to ease, Beijing may believe the prospects of achieving its goals through outright military force are becoming less favorable. Consequently, China is increasing the use of tactics that fall below the threshold of war.
Components of hybrid warfare
According to Ho, these measures combine sovereignty claims, displays of maritime power, and coordinated propaganda campaigns aimed at influencing public opinion and exerting diplomatic pressure on Taiwan and other regional actors such as Japan and the Philippines. He argued that Beijing is exploiting gaps in international law and using legal instruments to justify increasingly assertive behavior in contested waters.
Flashpoints identified
Ho identified Taiwan's exclusive economic zones, the median line in the Taiwan Strait, and the waters surrounding Kinmen and Matsu as likely flashpoints for future Chinese activity. He said China's coast guard has become a key tool in this strategy, frequently operating near disputed maritime boundaries to create uncertainty and challenge established norms.
Philippines as a model
Ho urged Taiwan to respond more proactively and pointed to the Philippines' policy of "absolute transparency" as an effective model. By publicly documenting and exposing every Chinese maritime intrusion, Manila has been able to counter Beijing's narratives and disinformation efforts, as highlighted by The Taipei Times.
Recommendations for Taiwan
Ho suggested Taiwan could adopt similar measures, including live-streaming coast guard patrols around its outlying islands to quickly debunk false Chinese claims. He also called for stronger cooperation between Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines through intelligence sharing, joint maritime enforcement operations, and diplomatic engagement over fishing and resource disputes, as reported by The Taipei Times.
