Taiwan Shifts to Erosion Strategy, Boosts Northern Forces and Naval Role

Analysts note that Taiwan is redefining its war-fighting concept toward an erosion strategy that relies on delaying and attriting an adversary through layered forces. To support this, the Republic of China Army and Marine Corps have shifted a majority of their active-duty brigades to the northern region, concentrating up to two-thirds of ground forces near key political and logistical hubs. Large-scale exercises such as Han Kuang and Lu Sheng now total nearly a month of live-force training, allowing troops to rehearse prolonged combat scenarios.

The navy has created a Coastal Operations Command and integrated shore-based missiles, radar and unmanned systems, while the Marine Corps has swapped heavy armor for drones and anti-tank weapons. The Coast Guard, guided by a newly appointed navy vice admiral, is also participating in sea-denial drills under naval command. These changes highlight the growing importance of joint command and control, a capability that remains a critical test for Taiwan’s overall defence readiness.