Is Xi hardening South China Sea bases for Taiwan war?

China is exploring a new “robotic fortress” concept to defend its South China Sea outposts as Beijing expands its use of artificial intelligence, autonomous drones and multi-domain warfare. Chinese researchers have proposed a three-layer defensive network linking aerial, surface and underwater drones to detect, disrupt and counter threats approaching remote island bases. The outer ring could use drones and uncrewed vessels for early detection and interception, while a middle layer could deploy electronic warfare to disrupt hostile sensors and communications. An inner ring could use drones and underwater systems against threats that penetrate the outer defences. The concept, proposed by researchers from China’s Coast Guard Academy and Dalian University, is not a confirmed military programme and does not show that such autonomous defences are already operational.