Taiwan ‘throttles’ mobile internet for first time during annual war games

Taiwan deliberately slowed its mobile internet services for the first time during annual war games, simulating the impact of a Chinese attack or natural disaster. This comes as Beijing claims sovereignty over Taiwan, which it regards as its own territory. The democratic nation regularly undergoes air raid drills alongside its war games, clearing streets for 30 minutes.

On Monday, the disruption affected only basic mobile phone services, while essential services such as ATMs, traffic signals, landlines, and fixed internet connections remained functional. Air raid sirens sounded in Taichung, the central metropolis where the drill was centered. The government broadcast an alert via text message in both Chinese and English, and shared details on social media.

The same exercise is scheduled for Thursday in northern Taiwan, including the capital Taipei. Earlier in the day, Taiwan's military staged a simulated defense against a Chinese air landing assault on the strategically important Penghu Islands. The 10-day Han Kuang exercise commenced last week, practicing various scenarios should China attempt to invade the island forcefully.

Reuters was granted unique access to observe ground troops loading ammunition and assuming firing positions in the cover of night before the drill commenced. Troops from the First Theatre Command engaged in the pre-dawn firing at a beach in Penghu, employing M60A3 tanks, artillery, and anti-aircraft guns. The troops aimed to form a "multi-layered" defense against a simulated enemy attempting a rapid coastal landing.

Penghu, closer to Taiwan's coastline than China's, is considered a potential initial target by Taiwanese strategists. Taiwanese reservists participated in the exercise as part of their 14-day training program, aiming to enhance the integration of reserve forces into the military's operational planning and make preparations more realistic.