Analysis of China's Shift Toward Hybrid Warfare and Taiwan's Defense Strategy

分析中國轉向混合戰與台灣的防衛策略

Jun 21, 2026, 16:41
AsiaPolitics

Introduction

Taiwanese security officials have noticed a change in Beijing's strategy. China is now using more 'grey-zone' operations and hybrid warfare to put pressure on the island.

台灣安全官員注意到北京的策略有所改變。中國目前正利用更多「灰色地帶」行動與混合戰來對該島施壓。

Main Body

According to Ho Cheng-hui from the National Security Institute, China may have decided that direct military action is currently too risky, partly due to the situations in Ukraine and Iran. Consequently, China is focusing on activities that stay below the level of open war. This strategy includes using research vessels and coast guard ships to challenge maritime rules. Officials emphasize that China is using gaps in international law to justify its aggressive behavior in Taiwan's economic zones and near the Kinmen and Matsu islands.

根據國家安全局的何承徽表示，中國可能認為目前直接採取軍事行動風險過高，部分原因在於烏克蘭與伊朗的情況。因此，中國將重點放在低於全面戰爭水平的活動。此策略包括利用研究船與海警船來挑戰海上規則。官員強調，中國正利用國際法的漏洞，為其在台灣經濟海域以及金門、馬祖島附近的侵略行為尋找正當理由。

To counter this, Taiwan is promoting a policy of 'absolute transparency,' similar to the approach used by the Philippines. This plan involves broadcasting coast guard patrols in real-time to stop the spread of fake news. Furthermore, Taiwan aims to improve cooperation with Japan and the Philippines by sharing intelligence and coordinating maritime security. At the same time, Taiwan is strengthening its own military by testing its first home-made submarine and conducting five-day combat exercises to ensure the army can move quickly from peace to war.

為了應對此情況，台灣正推行「絕對透明」政策，與菲律賓的做法相似。此計劃包括將海警巡邏情況即時直播，以防止假新聞傳播。此外，台灣旨在透過共享情報與協調海上安全，改善與日本及菲律賓的合作。同時，台灣正強化自身軍力，測試首艘國造潛艦，並進行為期五天的戰鬥演習，以確保軍隊能迅速從和平狀態轉為戰爭狀態。

These tensions are based on long-term historical disputes dating back to the Qing Dynasty. While Beijing asserts that Taiwan is part of its territory, Taiwan continues to function as a separate entity with its own government and military. This disagreement remains the main cause of instability in the region, which is why Chinese aircraft and ships are frequently seen in the Taiwan Strait.

這些緊張局勢源於自清朝以來長期存在的歷史爭議。雖然北京聲稱台灣是其領土的一部分，但台灣持續作為一個擁有獨立政府與軍隊的獨立實體運作。此分歧仍是該地區不穩定的主因，這也是為何台灣海峽經常出現中國飛機與船隻。

Conclusion

Taiwan remains highly alert, balancing its military preparations with a new focus on transparent and international diplomatic strategies.

台灣維持高度警戒，在軍事準備與全新的透明國際外交策略之間取得平衡。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'B2 Shift': From Simple Sentences to Logical Connectors

At the A2 level, you usually say: "China is using grey-zone operations. China thinks direct war is too risky."

To reach B2, you need to stop making lists of facts and start showing how ideas relate to each other. This article uses specific 'bridge words' (Connectors) to create a professional flow.

🌉 The Logic Bridges found in the text:

  1. The Result Bridge: "Consequently"

    • A2 style: "It is risky, so China is focusing on other activities."
    • B2 style: "Direct military action is currently too risky. Consequently, China is focusing on activities that stay below the level of open war."
    • Coach's Tip: Use Consequently when you want to sound more formal than so. It signals a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

  2. The Addition Bridge: "Furthermore"

    • A2 style: "Also, Taiwan wants to help Japan."
    • B2 style: "...to stop the spread of fake news. Furthermore, Taiwan aims to improve cooperation with Japan..."
    • Coach's Tip: Stop using And or Also at the start of every sentence. Furthermore tells the reader: "I have already given you one strong point, and now I am adding an even more important one."

  3. The Contrast Bridge: "While"

    • A2 style: "Beijing says Taiwan is theirs. But Taiwan has its own government."
    • B2 style: "While Beijing asserts that Taiwan is part of its territory, Taiwan continues to function as a separate entity..."
    • Coach's Tip: Using While at the start of a sentence allows you to balance two opposing ideas in one breath. This is a hallmark of B2 fluency.

🛠 Quick Upgrade Guide

Instead of... (A2)Try using... (B2)Why?
SoConsequentlySounds more analytical
Also / AndFurthermoreBuilds a stronger argument
ButWhile [Idea A], [Idea B]Creates a sophisticated contrast

Vocabulary Learning

hybrid (adj.)
Something that is a mixture of two different things
Example:The company uses a hybrid approach, combining traditional marketing with digital strategies.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened
Example:The weather was terrible; consequently, the outdoor event was cancelled.
emphasize (v.)
To give special importance or attention to something in speaking or writing
Example:The teacher wanted to emphasize the importance of reviewing the notes before the exam.
justify (v.)
To show or prove that a decision or action is reasonable or necessary
Example:It is difficult to justify the high cost of the new project given the low expected returns.
transparency (n.)
The quality of being open, honest, and without secrets
Example:The public is demanding more transparency regarding how the government spends tax money.
coordinating (v.)
Organizing different people or parts of a system so that they work together efficiently
Example:The manager is responsible for coordinating the efforts of three different departments.
asserts (v.)
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully
Example:The lawyer asserts that his client was not present at the scene of the crime.
entity (n.)
Something that exists as a single, separate, and distinct unit
Example:The two companies decided to merge and operate as a single legal entity.
instability (n.)
A state of being unstable; the tendency to change or fail suddenly
Example:Political instability in the region has led to a decrease in foreign investment.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→