China honing abilities for a possible future attack, Taiwan defense report warns

China is increasing military activities near Taiwan and honing its ability to stage a surprise attack, as well as seeking to undermine trust in the government with “hybrid” online warfare tactics, the island’s defense ministry said on Thursday.

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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 seven rounds of major war games around the island since 2022.

“The Chinese communists have adopted routine gray zone harassment tactics, combined with joint combat readiness patrols, targeted military exercises and cognitive warfare, posing a comprehensive threat to us,” the defense ministry said in a report released every two years.

Gray zone refers to noncombat operations designed to put pressure on Taiwan such as coast guard patrols, damage to undersea cables and flying balloons.