Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on October 9, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleChina's military activities around Taiwan are increasing, with new tactics posing significant threats, as detailed in Taiwan's defense report.
TAIPEI (Reuters) -China is increasing the frequency of its military activities around Taiwan and developing new equipment to hone its ability to stage a surprise attack, the island's defence ministry said on Thursday.
Democratically-governed Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, has faced increased military pressure from Beijing over the past five years, including at least six rounds of major war games around the island since 2022.
China has been using artificial intelligence tools to weaken Taiwan's cybersecurity and to scan for weak points in critical infrastructure, the defence ministry said in a report released every two years.
Beijing is also using "hybrid warfare" to weaken people's trust in the government and support for defence spending, and stepping up "grey zone" harassment, it added, referring to non-combat operations such as coast guard patrols designed to pressure Taiwan.
"Through both conventional and unconventional military actions, it aims to test its capabilities for attacking Taiwan and confronting foreign forces," the ministry said.
China could try to suddenly shift drills into active combat mode to catch Taiwan and its international supporters off guard, posing a significant threat to regional peace and security, it added.
In recent years, China has been extensively using civilian roll-on/roll-off merchant vessels for military transport operations and continues to develop specialised equipment for beach landing operations, the ministry said.
China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
China considers Taiwan President Lai Ching-te a "separatist". Lai rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's people can decide their future.
(Reporting by Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks, which can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Military risk management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with military operations to ensure the safety and effectiveness of missions.
Technology in defense encompasses various tools and systems used to enhance military capabilities, including advanced weaponry, surveillance systems, and cybersecurity measures.
Hybrid warfare is a strategy that blends conventional military tactics with unconventional methods, such as cyber attacks and misinformation, to achieve strategic objectives.
Financial stability refers to a condition where the financial system operates effectively, allowing for the smooth functioning of markets and the economy, minimizing the risk of crises.
Explore more articles in the Headlines category
