[China Watch #01] China's Silent War – 5 Strategic Threats to South Korea's Security

China's silent strategies—cyber threats, gray zone tactics, and drone espionage—are quietly challenging South Korea's national security.

🔗 Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction – A Silent Infiltration
• 2. Maritime Expansion – Control of the West Sea
• 3. Espionage via Technology – Drones and Data
• 4. Cyber Warfare and Disinformation
• 5. Economic Pressure and Strategic Leverage
• 6. Academic Infiltration and Soft Power
• 7. Conclusion – How South Korea Should Respond
• 8. FAQ

1. Introduction – A Silent Infiltration

While global attention focuses on overt conflicts, China has been conducting a 'silent war' against South Korea through layered strategic operations. These actions, designed to avoid direct military confrontation, aim to weaken sovereignty and influence key sectors of national defense, information, and economy.

2. Maritime Expansion – Control of the West Sea

China's construction of 50-70m steel structures in the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) of the West Sea, coupled with aggressive interference against Korean survey ships like the Onnuri, signals an encroaching de facto control of disputed waters. These installations often feature surveillance equipment, radar, and even helipads, raising concerns of military intent masked as civilian infrastructure.

3. Espionage via Technology – Drones and Data

In a landmark case, Chinese exchange students used drones to photograph South Korean and U.S. naval installations. The images, uploaded to Chinese cloud servers, marked the first instance of the National Security Act’s espionage clause (Article 99) being applied to a foreign national. The act has prompted calls for tighter surveillance of foreign nationals near military zones.

4. Cyber Warfare and Disinformation

China's cyber operations include targeting South Korean government agencies, academic institutions, and media outlets. Simultaneously, pro-China narratives are amplified via social media and comment-bots to sway public opinion, particularly on sensitive issues like the THAAD missile system, trade relations, and reunification policies.

5. Economic Pressure and Strategic Leverage

Beijing leverages its economic size through non-tariff retaliation, such as the boycott of Korean products and tourism restrictions during geopolitical disputes. Furthermore, strategic acquisitions in critical infrastructure and logistics (ports, energy, data centers) signal a long-term plan to gain influence over key supply chain nodes.

6. Academic Infiltration and Soft Power

From Confucius Institutes embedded in major universities to covert funding of research centers, China invests heavily in soft power. Some programs reportedly shape curriculum or limit critical discussions on issues like Hong Kong, Xinjiang, or Taiwan, subtly affecting the intellectual sovereignty of host institutions.

7. Conclusion – How South Korea Should Respond

China’s approach is not an isolated act but a multi-dimensional campaign. South Korea must reinforce its maritime patrols, introduce foreign espionage countermeasures, protect academia from covert influence, and enhance cyber defense. A national consensus on security and sovereignty is essential to resist this silent but systematic campaign.

8. FAQ

Q1. Is China officially at conflict with South Korea?
A. No. However, its gray zone tactics blur the line between peace and conflict, challenging national security without direct warfare.

Q2. Why are Confucius Institutes considered a threat?
A. While promoting culture, they have been accused of influencing academic freedom and promoting CCP-aligned narratives in host countries.

Q3. What legal changes are being proposed in Korea?
A. Strengthening the National Security Act, implementing drone regulation near military bases, and tightening university research funding sources.