Taiwan braces for impact: Unprecedented war games amid China tensions
Taiwan has conducted its first war game, aiming to prepare for a potential escalation of conflict with China. Numerous government agencies at various levels, alongside citizen groups, participated in the exercises.
The Office of the President of Taiwan, led by Lai Ching-te, organised the first war game to anticipate military escalation in the ongoing conflict with China, as reported by Reuters, citing government sources. A multitude of government agencies at both central and local levels, as well as citizen groups, took part in the three-hour tabletop exercises (TTX).
The war game was held at the president's office in Taipei, directed by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and Secretary General of the National Security Council Joseph Wu. The exercises involved various scenarios, including intense military actions by China in the so-called "grey zone" and situations where Taiwan is "on the brink of conflict." The objective was to evaluate the readiness of Taiwanese agencies and society to respond effectively.
As noted by the Polish Press Agency, Chinese military activity around Taiwan has reached an unprecedented level. According to Defence Ministry spokesman Sun Li-fang, the number of ships and Coast Guard units in the region is the largest in decades. Chinese units have been deployed along the so-called first island chain, posing a significant threat to Taipei.
Beijing's reaction to Taiwan president's activities
Beijing's actions are perceived as a response to the foreign activities of Taiwan's president, Lai Ching-te, who recently visited several Pacific island nations, as well as Guam and Hawaii in the United States. The Chinese authorities criticise these visits, branding Lai as a "separatist," while the Taiwanese view their country as independent.
In reaction to rising tensions, the United States decided to sell military equipment to Taiwan, including parts for F-16 aircraft. This move elicited a strong reaction from China, which imposed sanctions on 13 American defence companies and their representatives, protesting any formal contacts with Taipei.
The increase in defence spending in Taiwan is a response to the growing threat. The authorities allocated a record £15 billion on defence for 2024. The defence budget for the coming year is set to rise by 6%, aiming to bolster the island's security. The escalating situation in the East China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and South China Sea reflects rising regional tensions. China, considering Taiwan as its province, does not rule out the use of force to "reunify the motherland," while Taiwan emphasises its independence and right to self-determination.
