Scholar: CCP Uses Three Warfares to Threaten Taiwan, Calls for Strengthened Defense Resilience

(CNA Chen Kai-yu, Taipei, 13th) Wu-Chi Chen, Associate Professor at Soochow University's Department of Political Science, stated today that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is using 'three warfares'—public opinion warfare, legal warfare, and psychological warfare—to influence Taiwan's perception of China and fragment society. He emphasized that in response to these threats, Taiwan must not only strengthen its military defense but also raise public awareness and societal resilience against China's united front tactics and cognitive operations.

Human rights groups including the Tibet-Taiwan Human Rights Connection and the Taiwan Association for Human Rights hosted a lecture today titled 'Different Struggles, Shared Freedom: Building a United Front Against Chinese Oppression.'

Chen explained that the CCP is currently conducting these 'three warfares' against Taiwan and many other countries. Public opinion warfare aims to shape public perception—such as convincing Taiwanese people that China is powerful, the U.S. is evil, and democracy is flawed.

Legal warfare refers to China's continuous expansion of its legal system, from the 'Anti-Secession Law' to the 'Law on Promoting National Unity and Progress,' gradually extending its jurisdiction. This includes reporting or conducting in absentia trials against individuals labeled as 'pro-independence.' Psychological warfare seeks to instill the belief that resistance is futile and that aligning with China and pursuing its glory is the better path. Chen noted that social division and distinguishing friend from foe are also key strategies employed by the CCP.

Chen pointed out that the CCP's reliance on the 'three warfares' instead of direct military action is based on considerations of cost, risk, international pressure, and national reputation. China's military budget increases by approximately 7% annually. While it may not launch an immediate attack, it continues extensive preparations.

He added that some Taiwanese may not recognize the existence of the 'three warfares' because these tactics are subtle and operate through gradual, subconscious influence.

In response to the CCP's threats, Chen urged the Taiwanese government to strengthen defenses in two ways: first, by enhancing public understanding of China and building 'immunity' against its united front operations, increasing vigilance toward actual acts of infringement; second, by reinforcing military and defense capabilities to boost societal resilience and the will to defend. 'Multiple studies indicate that as long as Taiwan does not surrender, it is highly unlikely that China could easily seize control,' he said.

Sun You-lian, Senior Researcher at the Taiwan Labor Front, suggested that in light of China's use of laws like the 'Anti-Secession Law' to threaten Taiwan, the government should consider whether new legislation is necessary to protect residents and human rights workers within Taiwan. (Editor: Yang Sheng-ru) 1150613

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