China employs composite coercion and cognitive warfare against Taiwan

China is employing a multifaceted strategy of “composite coercion” against Taiwan, utilizing gray zone tactics to exert pressure without triggering a full-scale military invasion. This approach integrates military, diplomatic, economic, and legal measures to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

A central component of this strategy is cognitive warfare, which aims to manipulate the perceptions and decision-making processes of the Taiwanese public to erode their will to resist reunification. This is supported by information warfare, using digital networks and propaganda to gain a competitive advantage.

Beyond information and military maneuvers, Beijing is expanding its “long-arm jurisdiction” through legal warfare. By implementing laws such as the Anti-Espionage Law and the National Security Law, China seeks to extend its governance into overseas spaces and digital environments. Additionally, China utilizes diplomatic pressure to influence third countries to limit or close Taiwan's representative offices, and engages in transnational repression, with the Mainland Affairs Council noting 134 cases related to Taiwan.