Taiwan reinvigorates its asymmetrical approach to naval warfare
The ROCN took possession of the 3,250t Da Wu, the first of a new class of rescue and salvage vessels, on 23 October. (Photo: CSBC)
The threat from China has prompted Taiwan’s naval forces to shift from traditional naval structures to a more balanced strategy blending asymmetric defences with conventional platforms.
Taiwan faces an existential threat from China as People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and warships harass the island on a daily basis. The Republic of China Navy (ROCN) is confronting both grey-zone tactics and the threat of a Chinese blockade or full-blown invasion.
A ‘porcupine’ strategy, promulgated in Taiwan’s 2018 Overall Defense Concept policy, called for platforms and asymmetric capabilities to deter a Chinese invasion. This strategy, however, was not wholeheartedly pursued, and the concept disappeared from subsequent Ministry of National Defense (MND) documents.
The ROCN continued to field a traditionally structured navy, but there are renewed signs that the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions]()
Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions
Amphibious operations are a very unique type of military operation, and global defence industries are developing new solutions to enhance capabilities and efficiency.
-
![US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026]()
US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026
The new autonomous surface vessels are planned to be operationally fielded in FY2027, following the completion of on-water trials.
-
![Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals]()
Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals
CPSP competitors are proposing platforms fitted with advanced, next-generation capabilities to be built and sustained in cooperation with the Canadian industry.
