Amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan is accelerating its focus on asymmetric warfare capabilities to counter the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) growing military threat.
Taipei’s “porcupine” defense strategy aims to make any potential invasion of the democratically governed island too costly for Beijing. Under the approach, enhanced missile and drone capabilities and mobile coastal defenses maximize deterrence through survivable and dispersed defensive systems, backed by strong support from Allies and Partners and advancements in domestic defense production.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry in February 2025 said its Armed Forces will “continue to diligently strengthen its defense capabilities, enhance asymmetric deterrence power, closely monitor the surrounding seas and airspace of the Taiwan Strait through joint intelligence surveillance and detection methods, and deploy appropriate forces to respond and manage any situations.”
The statement followed the CCP’s deployment of combat readiness patrols to shadow Canadian and United States vessels passing lawfully through the international waters of the strait, which separates Taiwan from mainland China and is a vital global trade route.
Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has become increasingly belligerent in its threats to annex the island by force.
A key element of Taipei’s asymmetric approach is its emphasis on missile systems capable of defending the strait. “Taiwan’s attempt to leverage its missile expansion through the establishment of a ‘kill zone’ in the Taiwan Strait is central to its deterrence strategy,” Joshua Bowes, a research analyst with United Kingdom-based think tank London Politica, told FORUM.
Taipei’s missile arsenal, including Hsiung Feng cruise missiles and the Tien Kung air defense system, enhances its capability to target invading CCP naval and amphibious forces, according to Bowes. Taiwan also is increasingly deploying drones to provide reconnaissance, surveillance and strike options without risking crewed aircraft.
“Taiwan’s drones are ideal for an asymmetric approach because they can swarm Chinese naval forces, provide critical reconnaissance and deliver key intelligence in order to guide crucial missile strikes,” Bowes said. “This capability forces Beijing to counter a more diffuse and unpredictable threat.”
Taiwan’s drone fleet features the domestically produced Tengyun, which can track military movements and monitor amphibious force buildups along the island’s coast. The Albatross Tactical and Cardinal III uncrewed aerial vehicles provide long-endurance surveillance and target acquisition. Taiwan is developing loitering munitions, such as the Type I drone, which hover over battlefields and conduct precision strikes.
Additionally, Taipei is testing artificial intelligence-powered swarming technologies, which enable drones to coordinate across air, land and sea. Such advances could enhance Taiwan’s ability to overwhelm CCP naval forces and disrupt military operations in the strait, Bowes noted.
Mobile coastal defense units are crucial to Taiwan’s deterrence strategy by complicating an adversary’s targeting efforts. Taipei has deployed truck-mounted, anti-ship missile systems that relocate quickly after firing, enhancing survivability, Bowes said.
IMAGE CREDIT: REUTERS
Taiwan also is fielding agile naval platforms such as the Kuang Hua VI fast-attack missile boat, which is armed with Hsiung Feng II anti-ship missiles, and the Tuo Chiang-class corvette, which boasts stealth capabilities and high-speed maneuverability, Bowes said. The assets enhance Taiwan’s ability to counter amphibious assaults and defend critical coastal areas.
International partnerships also bolster Taiwan’s defenses, including billions of dollars in arms purchases from the U.S. for assets such as Harpoon and Stinger missiles, and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers. Japan, meanwhile, has expanded intelligence sharing with Taiwan.
