Taiwan is planning to conduct its annual war game exercises this year with a focus on simulating a scenario in which China launches an actual attack during one of its frequent military drills near the island. Tung Chih-hsing, head of Taiwan’s defense ministry’s joint combat planning department, announced that the drills will involve naval, air, coast guard forces, drones, and shore-mounted anti-ship weapons to establish an “attack and kill chain” at sea. The Han Kuang exercises are scheduled to begin in April with tabletop drills followed by combat exercises in July. The goal is to prepare for potential threats and enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
Last April, China practiced blockading Taiwan during war games, and in response to this, Taiwan is now planning to use naval and air forces, along with coast guard ships, to carry out joint escort operations in the simulated event of a blockade by China. Taiwan’s defense ministry is closely monitoring the situation and taking appropriate measures to respond to any potential threats. The recent presence of dozens of Chinese warplanes and naval ships near Taiwan coincided with a phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Biden, where Biden emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
During the phone call between Xi and Biden, the White House stated that the two leaders had a candid and constructive discussion on various bilateral, regional, and global issues. They reviewed key areas of cooperation, including counternarcotics efforts, military-to-military communication, addressing AI-related risks, and collaborating on climate change and people-to-people exchanges. Biden highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, emphasizing the need for peace and stability in the region. The dialogue between the two leaders covered areas of agreement as well as areas of difference.
Taiwan has expressed concerns over China’s aggressive actions and military posturing near its borders. The island nation is determined to enhance its defense capabilities and readiness to respond to any potential threats. The planned war game exercises will help Taiwan’s armed forces prepare for various scenarios, including a simulated blockade by China. The presence of Chinese warplanes and naval ships near Taiwan underscores the tensions in the region, especially in light of recent phone calls between Chinese and U.S. leaders discussing regional security issues.
The Han Kuang exercises will involve integrating different branches of Taiwan’s military forces, including naval, air, and coast guard units, to establish a coordinated response to potential threats. By simulating a scenario in which China escalates its military drills into an actual attack, Taiwan aims to strengthen its deterrence capabilities and readiness. The drills will focus on establishing an “attack and kill chain” at sea, utilizing various weapons systems and technologies to effectively defend against potential threats. As tensions in the region continue to escalate, Taiwan remains vigilant and prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In response to China’s military posturing and naval exercises near Taiwan, the island nation is closely monitoring the situation and deploying appropriate measures to safeguard its borders. The recent presence of Chinese warplanes and naval ships near Taiwan underscores the ongoing tensions and security challenges in the region. Taiwan’s defense ministry is committed to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and its collaboration with the U.S. and other partners is crucial in bolstering regional security. Through joint exercises and enhanced defense cooperation, Taiwan aims to deter potential threats and safeguard its interests in the face of escalating tensions.
