Taiwan boosts defense with 2027 invasion simulation drills
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday plans to conduct a simulation of a "Chinese attack in 2027" in July, as part of the annual Han Kuang 41 maneuvers. Local media also reported on five-day "combat readiness" exercises in response to military pressure from China.
In the comprehensive maneuvers that began on Monday, all military units of Taiwan across the entire island are involved - local media reported. The exercises are a response to the increased activity of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the region, aiming to weaken Taiwan's unity and will to resist through constant intimidation and military pressure, as well as recent incidents, including damage to undersea cables.
Additionally, Taiwan's Ministry of Defense disclosed on Wednesday that the scenario for the July live-fire exercises, which are part of the annual Han Kuang 41 maneuvers, will be based on external attacks related to the potential "invasion of Taiwan by China in 2027" and PLA operations in the so-called gray zone.
"Gray zone" tactics are those not considered open conflict and rely on military pressure, cyberattacks, and economic coercion, aiming to weaken defenses without triggering full-scale war.
In a report submitted to parliament, Taiwan's Ministry of Defense noted that the aim of the exercises, which will be held from July 9 to 18, is to "verify the ability of troops at all levels to execute plans, thereby building a military force that can respond quickly and maintain ‘high combat readiness.'"
Han Kuang is divided into three phases: a high-level war game in February, a computer simulation in April, and a summer segment involving live ammunition.
Signals received
This year's maneuvers aim to assess military capabilities by implementing strategic plans, carrying out coordinated anti-blockade operations, managing the distribution and storage of supplies, and evaluating the combat performance of newly developed weapons.
The PLA has intensified its maneuvers in recent years, including simulating a blockade of Taiwan.
Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo warned on Wednesday that the time it takes China to transition from exercises to combat is "not necessarily as long as we used to think."
"We have some key early warning signs that we need to monitor," Koo said.
