Taiwan-China cross-strait defense and tension

Taiwan is advancing an asymmetric defense strategy, referred to as the ‘hellscape’ concept, to deter a potential Chinese invasion. This approach focuses on the large-scale deployment of unmanned systems, including drone swarms and maritime attack vessels, to increase the cost and risk of an amphibious assault. During Han Kuang military exercises, Taiwanese troops practiced using drones for reconnaissance and neutralizing enemy unmanned systems. The government aims to produce 100,000 drones per month by 2030 and is seeking to establish Taiwan as a global supplier of drone components to reduce reliance on Chinese hardware.

Diplomatic and military tensions have continued to rise. China’s State Council Taiwan Affairs Office has criticized Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party for allegedly obstructing cross-strait exchanges and spreading misinformation regarding mainland entry and exit regulations.

On the technological front, Taiwan is expanding its maritime defense capabilities through international partnerships. The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) has facilitated an agreement with the American defense startup Faten Systems to develop autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). This collaboration focuses on AI-supported command and control systems and the establishment of local supply chains to enhance maritime defense resilience.