[International] Experts: China Developing Robot Dogs for Taiwan Strait Conflict, Taiwan Should Adopt Multi-layered Defense

Amidst China's continuous military threats against Taiwan, a US expert recently stated in an interview with CNA reporters that China is developing "robot dogs" that can be deployed instead of soldiers in the early stages of a Taiwan Strait conflict. These robots are intended for reconnaissance of landing zones, transporting supplies, and other tasks. Beijing may perceive the political cost of initial losses to be lower as a result. Taiwan should adopt a multi-layered defense strategy. Craig Singleton, Senior Director of the China Program at the Washington-based think tank The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and Jack Burnham, Senior Research Analyst, recently published a report titled "China's War Wolves: From Commercial Tech to Combat Power." The report's abstract indicates that the People's Liberation Army's embrace of "intelligentized warfare" reflects its systematic integration of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and unmanned systems into frontline operations. Robot Dogs Lead the Charge: Used for Reconnaissance and Supply Transport in Early War Stages In a recent interview, Singleton stated that China is developing four-legged ground robots resembling "robot dogs," roughly the size of large dogs. These robots can be equipped with cameras, sensors, and lidar, along with onboard computers. Some "robot dogs" can also transport supplies, be armed, conduct terrain reconnaissance, and even operate in swarms. These have appeared in PLA training footage and Chinese state media, "signaling that the Chinese military is testing how to deploy them in actual operations, with a focus on Taiwan." He analyzed that Taiwan is the most likely scenario for China to employ these systems. An invasion across the Taiwan Strait would be extremely dangerous, with intense beach landings, urban warfare, communication disruptions, and heavy casualties expected in the initial hours. The addition of robots would allow Beijing to send robots to lead the charge instead of soldiers. He pointed out that these robots can be used to scout landing zones, transport supplies, map terrain, and clear obstacles, helping China preserve its forces during the most dangerous phase of a conflict. "This truly changes the dynamics of the initial phase of a potential war." Singleton analyzed that robots do not eliminate risk but rather "reallocate risk." If machines bear the initial danger, Beijing might perceive the political cost of early casualties to be lower. Taiwan Should Establish Multi-layered Defense and Deter Through Anti-Robot Technology Regarding how Taiwan should respond, Singleton believes that Taiwan understands drones, "and robotics is the next evolutionary stage." Taiwan needs affordable, multi-layered defense mechanisms, such as detection, jamming, electronic warfare, and urban anti-robot exercises. In terms of countermeasures, he suggested that Taiwan prioritize enhancing its ability to quickly detect and identify these unmanned ground systems, as robots heavily rely on sensors and communication. By jamming signals, Taiwan can disrupt their navigation and communication links, paralyzing or degrading the functionality of many robot systems. Establishing a multi-layered defense system ensures that if one method fails, another can compensate. Amidst Taiwan's threats from China, the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) in early June showcased three types of "reconnaissance," "firepower," and "lidar" robot dogs derived from the US company Ghost Robotics' robot dog platform. These are intended for frontline reconnaissance, patrol, and high-risk missions. Singleton analyzed that robots indeed influence risk assessment. If China believes robots can reduce personnel casualties, Chinese leadership might perceive the political cost of the first phase of war to be lower. While this doesn't guarantee conflict, it changes the risk calculation. "This is why anti-robot technology is so important for Taiwan's deterrence and self-defense." Strengthen US-Taiwan Partnership to Streamline Procurement; Chip Advantage Can Assist In terms of US-Taiwan cooperation, he recommended that the US strengthen partnerships with Taiwan's trusted domestic robotics companies, streamline procurement processes, and support Taiwan's capabilities in countering unmanned systems. He believes it is crucial for both the US and Taiwan to assume that "robotics will be a component of the initial phase of a Taiwan Strait conflict, and all preparations must be in place before a crisis occurs." Singleton also noted that Taiwan has access to the world's best and most advanced chips. If Taiwan can successfully integrate its domestic robotics companies and chip manufacturers, it has the potential to develop robots more advanced than China's. (Editor: Chung Chin-lung)