In a significant shift reflecting the increasing tension with China, Taiwan's annual war games this year will be conducted to closely mimic actual combat scenarios. This new approach is aimed at preparing Taiwan's military for real fighting conditions, moving beyond the traditional showcase of military prowess to a more practical and urgent defense strategy. The decision comes amid growing concerns over the escalating "enemy threat" from China, which has been intensifying its military activities around the island.
Rising Threat from China
China, which views Taiwan as a part of its territory, has been conducting regular military exercises around the island for the past four years. These exercises are intended to pressure Taiwan into accepting Beijing's sovereignty claims. Despite Taiwan's strong objections, China has continued its aggressive stance, staging military drills that include air force missions and deploying irregular tactics, known as grey zone warfare, to keep Taiwan on constant alert.
The situation has prompted Taiwan to rethink its defense strategies and the way it conducts its war games. A senior Taiwanese defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the urgent need to adapt to the rapidly changing threat landscape. "In recent years, the enemy threat has changed rapidly," the official said. "Our defense combat plan must also be continuously revised on a rolling basis, and the urgency of comprehensive combat training is becoming more and more important."
Realistic War Games
The Han Kuang exercises, scheduled to begin on July 22, will span five days and include elements that simulate real combat conditions. Unlike previous years, this year's drills will feature nighttime exercises and will, for the first time, involve the capital city, Taipei. This inclusion aims to provide a more comprehensive training experience that reflects the unpredictable nature of warfare.
The senior official highlighted the importance of this realistic approach, stating that the exercises are not about scoring points but about genuinely preparing the soldiers for potential combat situations. "We want the soldiers to wonder whether this is for real," the official said. This means that unforeseen issues, such as vehicle breakdowns, will be accepted as part of the training, preparing troops for the unexpected challenges of actual combat. "These are problems that may be faced in actual combat," the official added.
Preparing for the Worst
Taiwan's defense ministry outlined the new focus of the war games. The exercises will practice creating "kill" zones at sea to break a potential blockade and simulate scenarios where China could turn one of its regular drills into an actual attack. The aim is to use real-time, on-the-ground verification to truly understand the capabilities and limitations of Taiwan's troops.
China has not commented on Taiwan's upcoming exercises, but its defense ministry has previously dismissed Taiwan's efforts to use arms to prevent "reunification" as futile. Shortly after Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te took office last month, China conducted its own war games around the island, calling them "punishment" for Lai's inauguration speech, which Beijing criticized for its separatist content.
A Call for Preparedness
The shift in Taiwan's war games underscores the island's growing determination to bolster its defense capabilities against an increasingly assertive China. President Lai has repeatedly offered talks, asserting that only the Taiwanese people can decide their future. However, China has not renounced the use of force to achieve reunification and continues to employ grey zone tactics, such as sending balloons over the island and conducting almost daily air force missions near Taiwan.
By adopting a more realistic approach to its war games, Taiwan aims to enhance its military readiness and demonstrate its resolve to defend its sovereignty. The Han Kuang exercises will serve as a crucial test of Taiwan's defense strategies, ensuring that its military is prepared for any potential escalation in the conflict with China.
