Taiwan Reports Surge in Chinese Military Activity, Heightened Tensions Loom

China is ramping up both military and cyber pressures on Taiwan, heightening concerns about regional security. On the military front, China is developing advanced amphibious platforms, known as Shuiqiao or 'water bridges,' inspired by World War II’s Mulberry harbors, to enable rapid deployment of heavy equipment during a potential invasion. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported a significant spike in Chinese military activity around its air and maritime zones, with numerous aircraft and naval incursions, prompting Taiwan to conduct extensive defense exercises. In the digital sphere, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te highlighted a surge in cyberattacks targeting government and key sectors, many traced back to China, underscoring the urgency of strengthening Taiwan’s cyber defenses. Lai announced new strategies to bolster digital resilience and is pushing for legislative updates to improve cybersecurity across public and private sectors. These combined military and cyber activities reflect growing Chinese efforts to assert pressure and challenge Taiwan’s security.