China could wage economic war on Taiwan to force surrender, report says
U.S. military officials and analysts have for years warned of possible armed attacks or blockades by China on the self-governed island of Taiwan, but a new report raises a red flag about possible non-military tactics
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. military officials and analysts have for years warned of possible armed attacks or blockades by China on Taiwan, but a report released Friday has raised a red flag about possible non-military tactics that could be used effectively against the self-governed island.
Beijing could wage an economic and cyber war to force a surrender from Taiwan without direct use of military power, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based research institute, said in the report. Such a likely but overlooked scenario, it said, poses a challenge for the U.S., the island's biggest ally, and suggested Washington make preparations for how best to respond.
FDD researchers teamed up with banking and finance experts in Taiwan over two days earlier this year to simulate likely non-military moves by Beijing, such as disinformation campaigns and cyber attacks on infrastructure. The exercise was the first of its kind and seeks to fill an analytical gap, FDD said.
“Modern globalization has created more economic connections that China can exploit to achieve coercive aims," the report said. “Technological innovation created even more digital connections, offering more possibilities for coercion, including through the targeting of critical infrastructure.”
