Military expert: Central Taiwan 'this area' is key to seizing islands, not just Hsinchu base

While foreign media reports have focused on Taiwan's Hsinchu base as a potential first target in a conflict due to its proximity to mainland China, military experts are emphasizing that central Taiwan holds even greater strategic importance for defending the island.

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The foreign media reports are not necessarily correct.

During the ongoing Han Kuang military exercise, Taiwan is simulating responses to enemy air and ground threats. The exercise, now in its ninth day, includes drills focused on defending key points. French-Taiwanese researcher on Wednesday cited a US media report suggesting that Hsinchu, located just 144 kilometers from China, could be an initial target for the People's Liberation Army in the event of hostilities. The report also critiqued Taiwan's perceived overemphasis on drone technology.

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Drones are very important subjects for all countries now. In this situation, drones are naturally passive. However, drones cannot replace traditional combat power. But they can indeed deplete the enemy's air defense network in the early stages of a war. For the defending side, suicide drones are a very good piece of equipment for projecting firepower.

However, military observer Ji Dong-yun dismissed the notion that Hsinchu is the sole or primary focus. He stated that while drones are important, they cannot replace traditional military strength. Ji explained that initial attacks would likely target various strategic locations across western Taiwan, including airfields, radar stations, communication hubs, and command centers, not just Hsinchu. He added that suicide drones could be effective in depleting enemy air defenses.

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Therefore, the focus on drones is not just about mobile attacks. It includes all airports, radar stations, and important facilities in western Taiwan, as well as communication stations and command posts. These are the targets of their first wave of attacks, so it won't just be Hsinchu Airport, but even Taichung's Ching Chuan Kang Airport.

Ji highlighted the critical role of central Taiwan, particularly areas like the Jianan coast, which are suitable for amphibious landings, and the Taichung Ching Chuan Kang Airport, ideal for air and ground troop deployments. These locations, referred to as "red beaches," are considered vital for strategic operations. The Han Kuang exercise's focus on this region, with drills like deep defense last year and key point defense this year, underscores its tactical significance in a potential conflict.

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Jianan coast can carry out amphibious landings, and Taichung Ching Chuan Kang Airport is suitable for air and ground landings. In this situation, the most important red beaches in central Taiwan are in this area. The key exercise subjects of the Han Kuang exercise in this Fifth Theater Command are all carried out in the surrounding area.