How Taiwan is preparing for a PLA sea blockade in its biggest war games

Taiwan began its annual 10-day war games on Wednesday, focusing on countering a potential People’s Liberation Army (PLA) maritime blockade in the western Pacific. This year’s Han Kuang exercise marks the first time Taiwan has tested its ability to counter such a blockade during the drill, reflecting growing concerns about Beijing’s military pressure.

The island’s defense ministry is also testing the relocation of weapons production lines to safer locations and the wartime mobilization of reserve forces. In a shift from previous exercises, the navy and coastguard will jointly rehearse maritime law enforcement, coastal strike operations, and critical supply protection. The drills come as China steps up military pressure through grey-zone operations, large-scale drills, and expanded coastguard patrols.

Analysts believe this reflects growing concern that Beijing may attempt to sever Taiwan’s maritime supply routes at the outset of a conflict. Taiwan’s reforms, inspired by recent conflicts like Ukraine and the Middle East, include the adoption of the US military’s “back brief” practice and simulated wartime dispersal of defense production.

The exercise also tests coordination between armed forces and local governments, as well as the impact of degraded mobile data services on emergency communications across affected populations.