Chinese Cognitive Warfare

Exploring a Framework and Identifying Contours Abhishek Kumar

Abstract

The apparently synonymous terms cognitive warfare, psychological warfare, information warfare and influence operations, not only
add to the security jargon but also to the complexity of warfare in the cognitive domain. Contemporary Chinese exploitation of the
cognitive domain is aimed at creating a pro-China perception and reducing threats to the survival of the Chinese Communist party
(CCP). China has made global inroads in countries, including Taiwan, Australia, the US, and India, that influence the cognitive domain. This article uses exploratory qualitative research in, firstly, attempting to create a framework for the term Cognitive Warfare (CW) and
thereafter, identifying the contours of Chinese CW. Having identified the contours of Chinese CW, the article endeavors to frame a possible Chinese strategy for CW in an ends-ways-means construct.