Wu: China amps Up ’hybrid warfare’ ahead of Taiwan elections

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Foreign Minister Joseph Wu warned on Tuesday (Dec. 5) that Chinese interference is expected to intensify as Taiwan's elections approach. 

Wu pointed out in a speech delivered at the "China in the World" (CITW) annual conference that China sees Taiwan as a testing ground for cognitive warfare, with Beijing's expansionist ambitions growing increasingly assertive.

Wu cited the use of military, economic, high-tech, and cognitive means to expand China's global influence. With the election around the corner, he emphasized that China is employing strategies of hybrid warfare, which include military intimidation, economic coercion, disinformation, and illicit financial flows in an attempt to sway the outcome of Taiwan's elections.

Wu further stressed the government's efforts to bolster communications with all sectors of society and to improve the public's media literacy. Aligning with both public and private sectors, Wu reinforced the commitment to counter the cognitive warfare conducted by authoritarian regimes.

Wu's call to arms was clear as he appealed to international allies to stand united, to strengthen democratic resilience, and to heighten awareness of China's unfriendly actions toward Taiwan, especially within international organizations.