Taiwan chokes mobile internet speeds in drill for Chinese attack
The drill was part of Taiwan's annual 'Han Kuang' military exercise that aims to prepare the island of 23 million people for a potential Chinese invasion.
Taiwan experienced a 30-minute reduction in mobile internet speeds on Thursday as part of a simulation for a potential Chinese invasion. Dubbed the annual Han Kuang military exercise, this drill aimed to prepare the 23 million inhabitants for a Chinese attack. The drill involved loud sirens across the capital, prompting residents to seek shelter in underground facilities.
This marked the first time mobile internet speeds were slowed down, affecting video calls, live streams, and food delivery apps. Ben Lewis, from analysis website PLATracker, noted that while a total internet shutdown was unlikely, experiencing internet disruptions was crucial to understanding the impact on civilian communications.
During the 10-day Han Kuang drills, which conclude on Friday, Taiwan's military conducted various combat scenarios for troops and reservists. On Wednesday, a joint exercise involved coast guard and navy ships attempting to escort a vessel during a simulation of a Chinese blockade in waters east of the island. The drill also saw an underground hospital demonstration, showcasing how medical facilities would operate during wartime.
Hospital worker Gary Chen, 39, participated in the ICU bed scenario, expressing that experiencing such situations would aid in better emergency responses.
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