Description: Taiwanese National Security Bureau (NSB) has publicly blamed China for using generative AI in ramping up disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing Taiwan and make it susceptible towards China’s sovereignty claims. NSB has reportedly detected over half a million messages pertaining to such disinformation campaigns, only a week after Chinese air force and naval assets conducted warfare simulations of occupying the island. Taiwan additionally mentioned heightened levels of covert operations and significant Chinese naval and military buildup in waters close to the island. The US government has taken notice of Chinese activities in the Indo – Pacific, however, a strong message of support or a show of force related to the defense of Taiwan is yet to be signaled.
Impact: Taiwan’s independence question alongside disputed trade routes in the South China Sea are the centerpieces related to the recent upsurge in confrontational rhetoric from China and the US. The US’ shift towards China as their newest top ranked adversary, amidst rekindled relations with Russia, indicates severe furtherance of direct confrontations which are yet to enter warfare dimensions. Direct military confrontation between the US and China is highly improbable as that would most certainly result in a global war. The tensions are expected to remain within the dimensions of posturing, showing of force and joint military drills, which would further incite both sides into a perpetual arms race for assertive dominance in the region.