Taiwan Resistance
to PRC Occupation

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The People's Republic of China (PRC) has increased its aggressiveness in the Pacific region and towards Taiwan. This has prompted a strategic shift in focus of the United States from counterinsurgency and counterterrorism to strategic competition - especially in the Indo-Pacific region. The application ROC and the porcupine defense in the Taiwan scenario has been a topic of discussion amongst national security experts. 1.

Special Operations Command Pacific has stepped up its military contacts with the Taiwan military. The U.S. military’s shift in focus from CT and COIN to strategic competition has focused SOCPACs attention on the possibility of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) increasing its pressure on Taiwan and possibly engaging in limited conflict or an invasion at some point in the future. Members of the U.S. Army Special Forces, some from the 1st SFG(A), are conducting training exercises in Taiwan. Some of this training activity is focuses on implementation of the Resistance Operating Concept similar to the one developed by SOCEUR.

Developing a resistance capability could deter the PRC from invading Taiwan; however, it may have to be a capability used during a future occupation by the PRC. "Even a small resistance movement can make it more difficult for China to achieve its goals in Taiwan." 2.

References

Resistance Operating Concept. A slide presentation by SOCEUR (which is responsible for developing and operationalizing the resistance operating concept).
hhttps://nsiteam.com/social/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/U-SMA-Brief-SOCEUR-Resistance-Operating-Concept.pdf

Resistance Operating Concept. From the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) which has been teaching UW and resistance to those in the military and interagency who recognize the importance of such study. Resistance Operating Concept (ROC) by Otto C. Fiala with foreword by Major General Kirk Smith and Brigadier General Anders Löfberg. https://jsou.edu/Press/PublicationDashboard/25

A comprehensive listing for references and publications about the Resistance Operating Concept is available (internal page). Available on this webpage are publcations, news articles, videos, and podcasts on U.S. national strategy, funding, authorities, and case studies by region and country.

News Articles

"Building a US Special Forces 'Stealth Network' on Taiwain", by A.B. Abrams, The Diplomat, May 3, 2023. The U.S. is making preparations for Ukraine-style military operations on Taiwan.

Endnotes

1. Friberg, John, “JSOU Paper – SOF Quills for the Porcupine”, SOF News, May 4, 2023. A review of a paper published by the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) entitled SOF Quills for the Porcupine: Applying Lessons from Ukraine to Taiwan, March 2023, PDF, 18 pages. https://sof.news/publications/sof-quills/

2. Lumpy Lumbaca, "Every Taiwan Citizen a Resistance Member: Preparing for a Chinese Occupation", Modern War Institute at West Point, September 14, 2023. This article explores the components of resistance, building an effective resistance in Taiwan, and aligning the resistance strategy with the environment and legitimate government's strategic objectives. https://mwi.westpoint.edu/every-taiwan-citizen-a-resistance-member-preparing-for-a-chinese-occupation/

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