Taiwan holds anti-blockade naval drill during war games as China steps up maritime pressure

Taiwan's armed forces simulated escorting a merchant ship during their annual Han Kuang war games, a move designed to bolster the island's resilience against potential blockades by China. The exercise, which involved the navy and coast guard working together, aimed to strengthen cross-agency coordination and maritime defense capabilities. Taiwan views such drills as crucial in the face of increasing pressure from Beijing, which claims the self-ruled island as its own territory.

The defense ministry stated the anti-blockade escort drill employed realistic, combat-oriented scenarios. The navy collaborated with coast guard vessels to protect the simulated merchant ship, while a mine sweeper cleared a path to a safe port on the east coast. This marked the first time the navy and coast guard jointly held an anti-blockade drill.

In parallel, soldiers practiced establishing defensive obstacles, including metal barricades and barbed wire, on roads leading to a vital bridge in Taipei. This scenario rehearsed how to impede a potential Chinese attack on the capital. Experts noted that such measures, potentially including demolishing bridges if necessary, would aim to prevent rapid advances by the People's Liberation Army into the city.

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I believe the military's plans would also include demolishing these bridges, if necessary, ensuring that the People's Liberation Army would not be able to use them to cross the river quickly and continue its advance.