Taiwan chokes mobile internet speeds in drill for Chinese attack
Millions of people in Taiwan were forced indoors and mobile internet speeds slowed for 30 minutes on Thursday during a simulation of a Chinese attack on the island democracy. 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. […]
On August 13, 2026, millions of individuals in Taiwan were compelled to take shelter indoors and experienced a slowdown in mobile internet speeds for a period of 30 minutes as part of a simulation drill aimed at preparing the country for a potential Chinese invasion. The annual "Han Kuang" military exercise, which involves 23 million people, was conducted to simulate a Chinese attack on the island democracy.
In Taipei, the capital, loud sirens rang out at 2:30 pm (0630 GMT), prompting residents to seek refuge in underground parking lots, subway stations, shopping malls, and office buildings.
This year marked a first for the drill, as mobile internet speeds were intentionally reduced to mimic the impact of a Chinese air assault on communications infrastructure. Ben Lewis, an analyst from the website PLATracker, explained that while a total internet shutdown was unlikely, the exercise aimed to provide people with a sense of the disruption they might face.
The ten-day Han Kuang drills concluded on Friday, with Taiwan's military engaging in various combat scenarios, including a joint exercise involving coast guard and navy ships to simulate a Chinese blockade. Additionally, an exercise in a hospital basement showcased how medical facilities would operate during wartime. Hospital staff participated in the drill, experiencing the urgency of moving patients and equipment to safety.
Written by urgent.news from Hong Kong Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
