How do Chinese actions aim to intimidate Taiwanese voters?

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Chinese Military Actions Aimed at Intimidating Taiwanese Voters Ahead of Elections

Taiwanese security officials interpret recent Chinese military activities as a deliberate and intensified campaign to intimidate voters ahead of the upcoming January 13 presidential and parliamentary elections. These actions are viewed as part of a broader strategy to influence public opinion and support candidates perceived as favoring closer ties with Beijing, which has framed the elections as a choice between "peace and war." The maneuvers are designed to convey a message of impending action and maintain elevated tensions, thereby creating a climate of psychological pressure on the electorate.
Approaching Contiguous Zone Simulates Intrusion

In November, Chinese air and naval forces conducted four coordinated maneuvers that approached Taiwan's contiguous zone, located 24 nautical miles (44 km) off its coast. These drills were explicitly described by security officials as "simulating an intrusion and testing the response of our national military." Taiwan's forces were dispatched to repel these approaches, indicating a direct military engagement in response to the perceived provocations.
Escalating "Grey Zone" Warfare Tactics Employed

The Chinese maneuvers are seen as an escalation of Beijing's "grey zone" warfare strategy, aimed at wearing down Taiwan through repeated drills and directly intimidating voters. This approach seeks to reinforce a narrative that a conflict with China is likely if the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) remains in power. The strategy encompasses both military and non-military forces, designed to signal that China can act against Taiwan at any time while keeping tensions high.
Broader Campaign Includes Incursions and Misinformation

Beyond the contiguous zone approaches, Chinese activities in November also included balloons crossing the Taiwan Strait's median line for two consecutive days, and marine research ships nearing Taiwan's contiguous zone. Furthermore, a Chinese commercial tugboat entered Taiwan's southern territorial waters, defined as 12 nautical miles from the coast. These actions, combined with alleged misinformation campaigns and exchanges with Taiwan politicians, constitute a multi-front campaign to interfere with the voting process.

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How do Chinese actions aim to intimidate Taiwanese voters?

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