Taiwan is under constant cyberattack from China

Taiwan is currently engaged in a unique form of warfare that does not involve traditional weapons. Instead, it faces a barrage of cyberattacks and sabotage, primarily attributed to China. This ongoing conflict is being fought in cyberspace and undersea, alongside global economic pressures. Every day, Taiwan experiences approximately 2.4 million cyberattacks, a number that has doubled since last year. These attacks are part of a strategy aimed at undermining Taiwan's institutions and testing its defenses. I-Chung Lai, the President of Taiwan’s Prospect Foundation, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, noting that while major disruptions have not yet occurred, the frequency of attacks shows a clear escalation in China's efforts. Another significant threat comes from damaged undersea cables. Since 2023, 11 cables connected to Taiwan have been compromised. If China were to disable all critical cables, it could isolate Taiwan and disrupt international data flow, creating wider economic and security issues across the Indo-Pacific region. Hiroyuki Akita, a security expert, emphasized that cutting these cables could be the initial step in a larger military invasion. This situation reflects a broader strategy known as grey zone warfare, where aggressive tactics are used without direct military confrontation. Taiwanese officials are examining lessons from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. According to Akita, it is vital for Taiwan to prioritize self-defense, build alliances in peacetime, and ensure that its infrastructure can withstand such attacks. In summary, while Taiwan is not in an all-out war with China, the current tactics being employed reflect a significant and ongoing conflict that continues to evolve.