China is bolstering its stance on Taiwan with more so-called grey-zone warfare tactics to exasperate the runaway island, that China considers part of its country. According to a report from the Taiwanese defence ministry, China is using more balloons, drones and civilian boats into Taiwan’s waters.
The report has been reviewed by Reuters and was sent to Taiwan’s parliament. It called the new tactic as a “multi-front saturated grey-zone” aimed at harassing Taiwan. The aim of this hybrid tactic is to “increase burdens of our naval and air forces and to obscure the existence of the median line in the strait,” according to the report. In addition, China is also blending militia vessels with civilian ones, in order to mask military activities.
Taiwan Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng spoke to reporters after presenting the report at the parliament and said that is not going to try to compete in an arms race with China, as Taiwan believes that its military its more powerful than Taiwan’s. Reportedly, China has recently said that it will rise defence spending by 7.2% in 2024.
Taiwan’s response to China’s new aggressive stance is going to focus on boosting defence of infrastructure, resilience of personnel, running drills and incorporate mobile and long-range weapons. Also, the government plans to stockpile weapons and fuel to better resist against a possible invasion. The ministry said that during 2024 it will increase the missile drills and start night-time exercises for pilots.
Finally, Taiwan will increase its “connections” with other democratic allies, like the United States. However, the report doesn’t specify exactly what these connections are.
