Deepinder Singh |Portfolio

Cyber Warfare: Using cyber attacks to disrupt the enemy’s information and communication systems.
Hybrid Warfare: Combines conventional warfare with irregular tactics and cyber warfare.

Military Strategies

A. Naval Power

China’s navy has grown significantly stronger over the years. With advanced warships and submarines, they could block Taiwan’s supply routes and isolate the island, making it harder for Taiwan to defend itself or receive support from other countries.

B. Air Superiority

China’s air force would try to dominate the skies early in any conflict. They have sophisticated fighter jets and missile systems designed to take control of the airspace around Taiwan, giving them a crucial advantage.

C. Missile Capabilities

China has a large number of missiles that could hit targets across Taiwan, including those designed to take out ships and critical infrastructure. This missile power could be used to weaken Taiwan’s defenses right from the start.

D. Amphibious Assault

If China decided to invade, they’d need to land troops on Taiwan’s beaches. They’ve been training special units for these kinds of amphibious operations, aiming to quickly gain ground and establish a strong presence on the island.

Cyber Warfare

China is very skilled in cyber warfare. They could launch cyber attacks to disrupt Taiwan’s military communications, knock out power grids, and spread false information to create panic and confusion. This could severely hamper Taiwan’s ability to respond effectively.

Economic Pressure

China is Taiwan’s biggest trading partner, giving them a lot of economic leverage. In a conflict, China could use trade embargoes or sanctions to hurt Taiwan’s economy, making it harder for them to sustain a prolonged defence

Diplomatic Manoeuvring

China has been working to diplomatically isolate Taiwan for years, pressuring other countries and international organizations to avoid recognizing or engaging with Taiwan. In a conflict, China would ramp up these efforts, trying to cut off Taiwan from international support and justify their actions as an internal matter.

Intelligence and Espionage

China’s intelligence agencies would be key players, gathering information on Taiwan’s defenses and strategic plans. They might also try to infiltrate Taiwanese institutions to disrupt operations from within.

Psychological Warfare

China would use psychological tactics to weaken Taiwan’s will to fight. This could involve spreading propaganda, misinformation, and using social media to create fear and confusion among the Taiwanese population and military.

Potential Allies 

A. Russia

China and Russia have been getting closer, especially in military and economic areas. Russia might provide military support, intelligence, and diplomatic backing. However, their involvement would depend on the larger geopolitical situation.

B. North Korea

North Korea could act as a distraction for the US and South Korea, launching missile tests or military exercises to draw attention away from Taiwan.

C. Pakistan and Iran

These countries have strategic ties with China through economic projects like the Belt and Road Initiative. While they might not get directly involved in the conflict, they could offer logistical support or political backing.

D. Non-State Actors

China might also use hackers and private military groups to carry out cyber attacks or covert operations without directly implicating the Chinese government.

Cabbage Warping 

is a strategy employed by China in the South China Sea, named for its method of encircling and isolating areas like the layers of a cabbage. This involves deploying multiple layers of maritime forces (naval ships, coast guard vessels, and fishing boats) around a target to gradually encircle and suffocate it, making it difficult for the opponent to respond or break through the blockade. This strategy is non-confrontational and aims to assert control over contested areas without provoking outright conflict.

Blitzkrieg (Lightning War)

Blitzkrieg is a fast and powerful military strategy used to achieve quick victories. It involves concentrated attacks with infantry, tanks, and air support to penetrate deep into enemy territory, disrupt command and supply lines, and create confusion and chaos among enemy forces. The strategy relies on speed, surprise, and coordinated attacks to overwhelm the enemy before they can mount a proper defense.

Key Elements:

• Rapid, coordinated assaults
• Use of combined arms (infantry, tanks, aircraft)
• Focus on disrupting enemy communication and supply lines

Attrition Warfare

Attrition warfare aims to wear down the enemy through continuous losses in personnel and material. This strategy is based on the premise that one side can outlast the other by inflicting greater damage over time, eventually leading to the enemy’s collapse due to exhaustion of resources and morale.

Key Elements:

• Prolonged engagements and battles
• Focus on inflicting maximum casualties and material losses
• Strategic use of resources to outlast the enemy

Asymmetric Warfare

Asymmetric warfare involves conflict between forces of significantly different strengths and capabilities. The weaker side uses unconventional tactics to exploit the vulnerabilities of the stronger opponent. This can include guerrilla tactics, terrorism, sabotage, and cyber attacks. The goal is to erode the enemy’s will to fight by making the conflict costly and difficult to sustain.

Key Elements:

• Use of unconventional tactics
• Exploitation of the stronger opponent’s weaknesses
• Targeting critical infrastructure and psychological operations

Conclusion

China’s strategies for a potential conflict with Taiwan are extensive and multi-faceted. They involve military power, cyber warfare, economic pressure, and diplomatic isolation. Potential allies like Russia and North Korea could provide support, but the main effort would come from China’s own resources.

The international community, especially the United States and its allies, is watching these developments closely, emphasising the need for strategic deterrence and diplomatic efforts to avoid a full-scale conflict.