Taiwan 'Throttles' Mobile Internet For First Time During Annual War Games

Taiwan deliberately slowed down mobile internet throughout the Taichung area during its annual Han Kuang military exercises, simulating a disruption of communication in case of a Chinese attack or natural disaster, according to Reuters. This drill took place alongside air-raid exercises and military rehearsals, which were intended to protect strategically important locations like the Penghu Islands.

The government had previously informed the public about the drill, posting details on social media, and most people in Taichung were prepared, as they cleared the streets for 30 minutes when air raid sirens sounded at 2:30 p.m. (0630 GMT). During the internet throttling drill, only basic mobile phone services were operational, while ATMs, traffic signals, landlines, and fixed internet services remained unaffected.

The government used both Chinese and English text messages to alert mobile phone users about the simulated air attacks on communication infrastructure. The same exercise will be carried out on Thursday in northern Taiwan, including the capital Taipei.