Taiwan launches major war games to test command flexibility
Taiwan began major military drills on Wednesday to test commanders’ ability to fight on the fly when enemy movements defy expectations, while temporarily limiting internet access for the first time, senior Taiwan officials said.
Taiwan commenced extensive military drills on Wednesday, aiming to evaluate commanders' adaptability in combat situations where enemy movements deviate from predictions. The 10-day Han Kuang exercise commenced in the early hours following an order issued from an underground command center in Taipei, prompting readiness measures such as fighter jet dispersals and emergency naval deployments, as disclosed by two senior Taiwan officials to Reuters.
For the first time, the drills will incorporate a "backbrief" approach, borrowed from U.S. military practices, where junior officers reiterate mission details to commanders, a strategy intended to enhance coordination. This initiative aims to ensure that both commanders and subordinates remain aligned on operational objectives.The drills will also scrutinize a critical wartime scenario, where China, claiming sovereignty over Taiwan despite the island's disapproval, might attempt to disrupt command centers, ports, logistics, and defense industry facilities at the outset of an attack.
China’s defense ministry did not comment on the matter, having never ruled out the use of force to annex Taiwan.China has annualized the drills since 1984, and this year's edition will introduce the deliberate reduction of mobile internet speeds to assess civilian communication capabilities should bandwidth become strained. The military will simulate the relocation of a key arsenal, mobilize civilian factories, and conduct escort drills off Taiwan’s Pacific coast, reflecting growing apprehension that Beijing might be rehearsing methods to sever the island’s Pacific supply lines from allies as Chinese military pressure escalates.The officials emphasized that these drills mark a departure from earlier, more controlled exercises, describing them as "real field environment" scenarios, stressing the need for commanders to reassess and rapidly issue orders when faced with unforeseen circumstances.
The drills will conclude on August 14, during which more than 20,000 reservists will be mobilized. Additionally, an "embedded reporter" mechanism will be introduced to evaluate wartime news reporting and counter enemy disinformation efforts, highlighting the importance of citizen preparedness during conflict.
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