The “gray zone” pressure on Taiwan’s outer island chain from drones to maritime incursions
China is exerting pressure on Taiwan's outer islands through 'gray zone' tactics, including drone incursions and maritime activities, to test and redefine Taiwan's boundaries. The tactics are designed to be below the threshold of armed conflict, making it difficult for Taiwan to respond.
China is using 'gray zone' tactics to pressure Taiwan's outer islands, including Kinmen and Matsu, through drone incursions and maritime activities. The drones, which are unarmed and carry cameras, have been appearing over and near Kinmen since 2022. Chinese coast guard vessels have also operated in waters near the islands, enforcing a Chinese interpretation of maritime boundaries. Fishing fleets operating in restricted zones have complicated interdiction, and sand dredging operations have damaged underwater infrastructure. The tactics are designed to be below the threshold of armed conflict, making it difficult for Taiwan to respond. Taiwan's response options are constrained by the platform choice, with shooting down unarmed drones carrying escalation risks.
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