In December, European authorities launched an investigation into the alleged sabotage of undersea internet cables in the Baltic Sea by a Chinese-flagged ship. A similar incident occurred near Taiwan earlier this month, centered on a Chinese ship suspected of cutting an undersea fiber optic cable. The vessel in question was operating under multiple flags and statuses, in violation of international norms, and was probably intended to conceal its true identity and obscure its relationship with the Chinese government. Although these incidents exemplify China’s use of “gray zone” or hybrid warfare tactics, i.e. irregular non-combat operations aimed at exerting military pressure on an adversary, , the pressure had not elicited a strong military response leading to open conflict.
Recent incidents involving submarine cables are consistent with China’s broader hybrid warfare strategy. A hybrid warfare strategy is a calculated combination of military and non-military tactics designed to achieve geopolitical goals while avoiding direct confrontation. The targeting of critical infrastructure such as submarine cables highlights China’s ability to disrupt communications networks and undermine Taiwan’s economic stability and national security. Apart from physical damage, these acts send a clear psychological message, creating uncertainty and highlighting the vulnerability of Taiwan and its allies.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has a well-established record of employing hybrid warfare as a strategic tool to assert superiority and destabilize rival forces. In the South China Sea, Beijing’s approach integrates political, economic, military, and social tactics to advance territorial claims and strengthen control over disputed areas while avoiding direct conflict. Key elements of this strategy include the use of non-military forces such as the Coast Guard and maritime militia, the use of intimidation tactics such as ramming, tailgating, and near collisions, and the use of military-grade lasers.
