Mapping Chinese Hybrid Influence: Strategic Frameworks for Small and Middle Powers (hcss.nl)

• Identifies five core domains: digital/info warfare, economic statecraft, paramilitary, physical disruption, and legal/political interference.
• Proposes a strategic framework evaluating trade-offs between sovereignty and economic risk.
• Advocates for improved early-warning, attribution capabilities, and cross-government coordination.

"A new HCSS study reveals that China uses systematic hybrid tactics—ranging from economic leverage to disinformation—to influence small and middle powers. The report argues that ad-hoc reactions are insufficient. Instead, states must adopt coherent strategic postures—such as hedging or balancing—to mitigate vulnerabilities and enhance long-term resilience against systemic foreign interference."