How Does the Tallinn Manual 2.0 Shed Light on the Threat of Cyber Attacks against Taiwan?

Abstract

This paper will identify possible unsettled issues when applying jus ad bellum and jus in bello to case scenarios based on China's cyber operations against Taiwan, pursuant to the rules of international law governing cyber or military operations attributable to States reflected in Tallinn Manual 2.0. This paper will argue that because of Taiwan’s legal international status as a sovereign State, the different responsive actions it may take, should it be faced with any such aggressive cyber or military attack, may be considered controversial. This paper will then identify the possible legal issues that may pertain under current international law, should any such armed conflict occur between China and Taiwan.