China urged to forge ‘spear’ for cognitive warfare amid great power rivalry

Chinese scholars are urging Beijing to adopt a more assertive strategy in global cognitive warfare, advocating for a shift from "cognitive defense" to "cognitive sovereignty." Wang Wen and Ding Zhuang, from the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University, published a paper last week arguing that this proactive approach is crucial for China to gain an advantage in the ongoing great power rivalry. They believe strengthening China's "cognitive sovereignty" is essential for effectively engaging in this form of competition. The scholars' appeal highlights a perceived need for China to develop a more offensive capability in the realm of cognitive warfare.