Experts Warn Taiwan Must Adapt to PLA’s Evolution Toward Systems-Oriented Warfare

The People’s Liberation Army is increasingly adopting a “systems-oriented warfare” doctrine rather than focusing on individual weapons platforms. According to Taiwanese analysts, this strategic shift presents significant new challenges to the island’s national defense.

Experts warn that instead of prioritizing isolated hardware, the PLA is emphasizing the integration of intelligence, AI, communications, logistics, and infrastructure into a unified, cohesive combat system.

“The PLA’s focus has shifted from merely comparing weapon strength to determining who can best interconnect various assets to maximize total combat effectiveness,” noted Chen Chia-sheng, a researcher at a Taipei-based government-funded think tank.

In a recent report by the Institute for National Defence and Security Research, Chen argued that for Taiwan, the implications of a cross-strait conflict extend far beyond traditional strikes on warships, fighter jets, or missile batteries.

Under the PLA’s concept of “systems destruction warfare,” Beijing may target the critical nodes that sustain Taiwanese military operations. This includes satellites, radar systems, communication networks, command centers, data links, and essential fuel and logistics infrastructure.

Chen added that if these vital connections are severed, even the most advanced weaponry could be rendered ineffective without being directly destroyed in combat.

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