Original Source
China Escalates 'Cognitive Warfare' on Taiwan Amid Iran War
Middle East Conflict and Taiwan's Vulnerability
Taiwan fears that China may exploit US distraction in the Middle East conflict to take action. Simultaneously, Chinese state media are using the conflict's developments to question the effectiveness of US weapons, which Taiwan relies on for defense against invasion. Taiwan remains one of the world's most potential conflict flashpoints, facing increasing military pressure from China, which views the island as its inherent territory and conducted its latest military exercises around Taiwan in December.
China's 'Cognitive Warfare' Tactics
Taiwanese officials reported that China resumed large-scale military aircraft incursions near Taiwan starting March 14, following a two-week period of sharply reduced activity in the Taiwan Strait. A senior Taiwanese security official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of intelligence matters, stated that "Now is the time for China to exert influence." The official added that "China is trying to create a situation where, as the US draws its forces elsewhere and Indo-Pacific forces are redirected to the Middle East, tensions should be created in the Taiwan Strait."
*Source: 聯合新聞網 (2026-03-25)*
