Taiwan braces for potential Chinese assault in 2027 drill
Taiwan's Ministry of Defence revealed on Wednesday plans to conduct a simulation of a "Chinese attack in 2027" this July, as part of the annual Han Kuang 41 manoeuvres. Local media have also reported on five-day "combat readiness" exercises in response to military pressure from the People's Republic of China (PRC).
According to local media, all military units across the entire island of Taiwan are involved in these comprehensive manoeuvres, which began on Monday. The exercises are a response to the increased activity of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the region, aimed at weakening Taiwan's unity and will to resist through constant intimidation and military pressure, as well as recent incidents, such as damage to undersea cables.
Separately, Taiwan's Ministry of Defence disclosed on Wednesday that the scenario for the July live-fire exercises, part of the annual Han Kuang 41 manoeuvres, will be based on external attacks related to the potential invasion of Taiwan by China in 2027 and PLA operations in the so-called grey zone.
"Grey zone" tactics are those not considered open conflict and rely on military pressure, cyberattacks, and economic coercion, aimed at weakening defences without triggering full-scale war.
In a report submitted to parliament, Taiwan's Ministry of Defence noted that the aim of the exercises, which will be held from 9th to 18th July, 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 manoeuvres in recent years, including simulating a blockade of Taiwan.
Taiwan's Defence 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.
