German Reservist Symposium Focuses on Hybrid Warfare and Resilience with Taiwan

The German Federal Armed Forces Reserve Association convened an International Defense and Security Symposium in Berlin, focusing on two key themes: "hybrid warfare threats" and "societal resilience." The event attracted military experts and scholars from multiple countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Ku Ruisheng, the representative of the Taiwan representative office in Germany, was specially invited as the keynote speaker to share Taiwan’s defensive experience in facing composite threats, including military pressure from China, cyberattacks, and cognitive warfare. This participation not only highlights Taiwan’s visibility on the international security stage but also reflects the high priority that European nations place on the issue of hybrid warfare.

"Hybrid warfare" refers to the integration of traditional military operations with non-traditional means—such as cyberattacks, information warfare, and economic sanctions—as well as psychological warfare, aiming to undermine an adversary’s combat readiness and societal confidence. In recent years, with the frequency of Chinese military activities in the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan has had to build a multi-layered defense system under limited resources. In his speech, Ku noted that Taiwan has incorporated cyber defense and information security into the core of its national defense strategy. Through collaboration between the National Cyber Security Center and private enterprises, Taiwan has enhanced its overall cyber resilience. Additionally, to counter cognitive warfare, Taiwan has strengthened civic education and media literacy to prevent adversaries from using disinformation to disrupt social order.

On the German side, it was emphasized that as a NATO member, defense strategies against hybrid warfare must also involve cooperation with non-traditional partners. Through this symposium, the German Reserve Association aims to draw upon Taiwan’s practical experience in high-pressure environments and integrate it into the training and exercise modules for the European reserve forces. The German military also stated that it will incorporate more simulations of cyber and information warfare into future exercises to improve the reserve forces’ ability to respond to composite threats.

From an international political perspective, the participation of the Taiwanese representative not only underscores attention to security issues in the Taiwan Strait but also demonstrates European respect and support for Taiwan in the field of defense. For Taiwan, sharing defensive experience on high-level European platforms will help enhance its international image and lay the foundation for future cooperation with Western nations. For Europe, understanding Taiwan’s innovative defensive strategies under great-power pressure can provide valuable references for its own defense policies.

In summary, the international symposium hosted by the German Reserve Association is not merely an exchange of academic and practical knowledge, but also a significant window for Taiwan to expand its influence within the international security network, beyond the context of cross-strait relations. Through sharing and cooperation, both sides can jointly enhance their ability to identify and respond to hybrid warfare threats, contributing to global security and stability. (Source: CNA)