Think Tank Warns Taiwan of China's 'Anaconda Strategy'

The Foundation for Defence of Democracies (FDD) cautions Taiwan regarding China's potential 'anaconda strategy,' involving cyberwarfare and disinformation campaigns. The FDD's tabletop exercise predicts that China could use economic and cybercoercion to isolate Taiwan without military confrontation. Recommendations include enhancing defense budgets and diversifying energy sources.

The Foundation for Defence of Democracies (FDD), a US think tank, has raised alarms over China's possible 'anaconda strategy' against Taiwan, as reported by the Taipei Times. The FDD conducted a tabletop exercise in Taipei, highlighting Beijing's likely use of economic pressure and cyberwarfare to force capitulation.

According to Fox News, China might continue leveraging economic sanctions and cyberoperations to coerce Taiwan, avoiding direct military action. The FDD indicated that China's cyberwarfare and disinformation tactics could lead to a blockade, rather than an outright invasion.

The think tank warned that large-scale cyberattacks are cost-effective for China, posing a significant defense challenge for Taiwan. Former US Navy rear admiral Mark Montgomery emphasized the difficulty Taiwan would face in maintaining economic stability during infrastructure attacks by China.

The report also noted that China could attempt to demoralize the Taiwanese population through misinformation. Researcher Dean Karalekas pointed out that although the Russia-Ukraine conflict has prepared Taiwan to some extent, the challenges are different, with Taiwan more likely to face supply shortages.

Taiwan's energy dependency and limited reserves make it vulnerable to blockades, according to the FDD. The think tank urged Taiwan to demonstrate its defensive resolve to the international community by increasing its defense budget, enhancing reserve force training, and diversifying energy sources.

(With inputs from agencies.)