A CONFLICT PLAYING OUT IN THE SHADOWS OF CYBERSPACE

A CONFLICT PLAYING OUT IN THE SHADOWS OF CYBERSPACE

While international attention is focused on tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East, another strategic confrontation is unfolding before our eyes: the silent but intense struggle between China and Taiwan in cyberspace.

This hybrid war — where information and cyberattacks replace missiles and fighter jets — is shaping a new theater of operations. Espionage, massive DDoS attacks, ransomware targeting the semiconductor industry, manipulation of public opinion… The threat is omnipresent and organized.

30 MILLION CYBERATTACKS PER MONTH: PERMANENT PRESSURE ON TAIWAN

According to cyber threat experts, Taiwan faces more than 30 million cyberattacks every month, 60% of which are attributed to groups linked to Beijing. Behind these offensives lie actors with varied motivations:

• APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats): cyber groups operated by the Chinese government, specializing in espionage and sabotage.
• Cybercriminals: motivated by financial gain, some are recruited to carry out state-sponsored attacks.
• Hacktivists: working to destabilize the island through ideology and information manipulation.

THE CYBER WEAPON IN SERVICE OF AN INFLUENCE WAR

Beyond technical cyberattacks, China is also waging a cognitive war. Its objective: to shape Taiwanese and international public opinion in its favor. Through disinformation campaigns, attacks on media infrastructure, and social media manipulation, Beijing attempts to create a climate of distrust and instability on the island.

THE SUBMARINE CABLE ISSUE: TAIWAN'S ACHILLES' HEEL

Taiwan is connected to the rest of the world via 16 submarine cables essential to its communications and digital economy. These critical infrastructures have become a strategic target:

• Alleged sabotage: Chinese vessels are suspected of having severed cables in 2023 and 2025.
• Surveillance threat: China attempts to intercept data flows transiting through these connections.
• Resilience strategy: Taiwan is strengthening its partnerships with the United States and Japan to secure these vital links.

TAIWAN: A CYBER LABORATORY FOR TOMORROW'S CONFLICTS

What is playing out today in Taiwan's cyberspace is a warning for all nations: tomorrow's war will be digital first. China is testing and perfecting its cyber capabilities against Taiwan, with global implications.

Faced with these threats, what strategies should be put in place? How is Taiwan protecting itself, and what lessons can other nations draw from this?

📢 DISCOVER OUR EXCLUSIVE REPORT 📢

➡ Dive into the world of Chinese cyberattacks against Taiwan ➡ Understand the tactics and strategies of threat actors ➡ Anticipate the evolution of cyber conflicts of tomorrow