Meeting the Needs of Future Warfare: U.S. Special Operations in a Conflict with China

As geopolitical tensions between the United States and China escalate, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, the nature of future warfare is evolving. The rise of advanced technology, cyber warfare, and anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategies has necessitated a reimagining of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) roles in a potential conflict with China. To meet the demands of modern warfare, SOF must focus on maritime special operations and behind-the-lines operations. These tactics will be crucial in countering Chinese expansionism, disrupting enemy logistics, and supporting allied resistance movements in occupied territories.

Maritime Special Operations: Dominating the Littorals

The South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and the Pacific island chains will serve as the primary theaters of engagement in a conflict with China. Given the heavy reliance of the Chinese military on naval and amphibious operations, U.S. SOF must develop superior maritime special operations capabilities to offset China’s numerical and technological advantages.

Disrupting Chinese Naval Logistics

One of the primary objectives of maritime special operations in a U.S.-China conflict will be **disrupting the Chinese Navy’s logistics and supply chains**. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) relies on a network of naval bases, fuel depots, and amphibious assault ships to project power. SOF units, particularly Navy SEALs and Marine Raiders, must be prepared to conduct **covert sabotage missions**, utilizing limpet mines, underwater demolition, and cyber-enabled attacks to disable enemy warships and supply lines.

Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and remotely operated explosive devices will play a critical role in these missions. By integrating autonomous technologies, SOF can execute pre-programmed or remotely controlled strikes on enemy vessels without exposing operators to detection or capture.

Guerrilla Warfare at Sea

In an extended conflict, the U.S. must be prepared to execute **naval guerrilla warfare** against China’s maritime forces. Small, fast attack boats, coupled with SOF-trained regional forces, can conduct **hit-and-run raids** on PLAN assets, including patrol ships, radar installations, and island outposts.

Additionally, **maritime deception tactics**—such as using disguised civilian vessels for infiltration and ambushes—can be employed to keep Chinese forces off balance. History has shown that irregular naval forces, when properly trained and equipped, can effectively challenge superior maritime adversaries, as seen in the Pacific campaigns of World War II and more recently in the Persian Gulf.

Behind-the-Lines Operations: Striking the Heart of China’s War Machine

If China were to seize control of Taiwan or other strategic territories, SOF units would need to be **pre-positioned or clandestinely inserted** to conduct behind-the-lines operations aimed at crippling the occupation effort and supporting local resistance.

Pre-Positioned Resistance Networks

A successful behind-the-lines strategy begins long before hostilities break out. U.S. SOF must work proactively to establish **covert resistance networks** in Taiwan, the Philippines, and other potential conflict zones. These networks would be responsible for intelligence gathering, psychological warfare, and direct-action missions against Chinese forces in the event of an invasion.

SOF personnel can achieve this by embedding within local security forces and training **indigenous guerrilla fighters** in asymmetrical warfare techniques. This approach mirrors the Cold War-era preparations of U.S. Green Berets in Eastern Europe, who trained resistance cells in case of a Soviet invasion.

Covert Infiltration and Sabotage

Once hostilities begin, SOF teams will need to execute high-risk infiltration operations to **disable key Chinese infrastructure, such as command-and-control centers, missile sites, and radar installations**. HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) parachute jumps, submarine insertions, and long-range reconnaissance patrols will be critical for deep-penetration missions.

Sabotage operations may involve **cyber-kinetic attacks**, where SOF operators compromise enemy networks to facilitate kinetic strikes, disrupt logistics, or disable China’s surveillance and missile-tracking capabilities. The objective is to create chaos behind enemy lines, forcing China to divert resources away from frontline operations.

Psychological Warfare and Influence Operations

China employs a sophisticated system of **information warfare and psychological operations** to control occupied populations and manipulate global narratives. U.S. SOF must counter this by deploying **covert psychological operations teams** to undermine Chinese authority, spread disinformation, and inspire resistance.

Tactics include **deepfake technology, encrypted messaging, and AI-driven propaganda dissemination** to erode enemy morale and promote defection among Chinese troops. The success of psychological operations can significantly impact China’s ability to maintain control over occupied regions.

A future conflict with China will not be fought solely with conventional forces. U.S. Special Operations Forces must adapt to a **multi-domain battlespace** where maritime and behind-the-lines operations play a decisive role. By mastering **naval guerrilla warfare, covert infiltration, sabotage, and information warfare**, SOF can effectively counter China’s expansionist strategies and ensure U.S. dominance in future conflicts. The ability to operate stealthily in **denied environments** and strike critical vulnerabilities will be essential for turning the tide of war in favor of the United States and its allies.