China’s expanding electronic warfare (EW) capabilities would pose a ‘significant challenge’ to the US if a full-scale conflict breaks out across the Taiwan Strait, according to a new report submitted to the US Congress.
The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, (USCC) which assesses risks in US-China relations, highlighted in its 2024 report that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has made substantial advancements in EW technology to counter the US military.
It noted that in a potential Taiwan conflict where the US would likely be involved, China will expect Washington to deploy unmanned vessels, drones, and advanced aircraft equipped with sophisticated sensors and radars.
To counter these assets, the PLA has developed EW systems capable of detecting, targeting, and disrupting US-made technologies intended to support Taiwan’s military.
These capabilities “present a significant challenge to US forces by disrupting the data links and communications US and allied forces need to operate during conflict,” the report stated.
Offensive and Defensive EW Capabilities
In response to the US’s increasing investment in advanced military technologies, the PLA has developed both offensive and defensive EW capabilities, according to the USCC.
These include jamming systems that can conduct non-kinetic attacks on enemy electronic assets.
Additionally, the PLA has reportedly conducted various exercises to prepare for EW operations, including an anti-jamming drill in January.
The PLA “likely improved its ability to operate in a complex electromagnetic environment,” the report noted.
‘Intelligentized’ Warfare
Earlier this year, China announced the restructuring of its military to focus on “intelligentized” warfare, a modernization effort emphasizing cyber, electronic, and psychological warfare capabilities.
But even prior to this shift, Beijing had already made significant investments in EW technology, including the successful performance test of a domestically-built EW drone in 2022.
In response, the US has also bolstered its EW capabilities, reportedly investing more than $5 billion in new defense systems this year alone.