Part 5/16:
Taiwan perceives these ferries as part of China's broader offensive expansionism. The island faces a multifaceted threat environment—combining traditional military buildup with "gray zone" tactics encompassing cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns, and diplomatic pressure designed to erode confidence in Taiwan's democracy long before any armed conflict occurs.
Despite denials from Beijing, the underlying message is clear: China’s ongoing military enhancements, including the ferry fleet, serve as preparatory steps toward an eventual invasion. US intelligence estimates, aligned with Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s directive for the PLA to be capable of invading Taiwan by 2027, underscore the urgency and proximity of such ambitions.