Taiwan Tests Defenses Against Chinese Invasion

Taiwan’s military simulated repelling a Chinese airborne assault on the strategic Penghu archipelago in the Taiwan Strait on Monday, as part of its annual Han Kuang military exercises. For the first time, the drills also include deliberate restrictions on mobile internet speeds.

The 10-day exercises test Taiwan’s response to various scenarios involving a potential Chinese attack. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out taking the island by force.

Forces on Penghu deployed M60A3 tanks, artillery and anti-aircraft weapons as they practiced a multi-layered defense against a simulated enemy airborne assault. Local reservists also took part.

The Penghu archipelago lies between Taiwan and China and would be strategically important in any conflict across the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan is also testing its civilian communications resilience. Mobile internet speeds were deliberately reduced for 30 minutes across seven cities and counties in central Taiwan on Monday to simulate network congestion during a war or other emergency.

The restrictions affect mobile data but not voice calls or text messages. Fixed-line internet and telephone services also remain available.

The exercise will be repeated on Thursday across seven cities and counties in northern Taiwan, including Taipei, New Taipei City and Taoyuan.

(Reuters, bak)