Anaconda strategy

Oct. 12, 2024

Taiwan’s navy commander recently claimed that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is using an ‘anaconda strategy’ to squeeze the island nation.

About Anaconda strategy:

  • It refers to a military strategy with the primary objective of suffocating the Confederacy economically and militarily, similar to how an anaconda snake coils around and asphyxiates its prey. 
  • It was proposed by Union General Winfield Scott during the early stages of the American Civil War.
  • China's 'anaconda strategy’ against Taiwan reportedly involves a mix of military maneuvers, psychological tactics, and cyber warfare to eventually weaken Taiwan's defenses. The ultimate goal appears to be to force Taiwan into submission without engaging in a full-scale invasion.
  • China is encircling Taiwan by both sea and air, increasing the number of air incursions to the Taiwan Strait, and employing its ships to operate around the country in what appears to be an effort to tire out Taiwan’s navy and air force.
  • It could be the prelude to a more violent showdown in the future.