Taiwan is preparing for war with China, and this month’s military exercises will focus on keeping the island’s arms industry alive under fire. The drills come amid growing fears of a confrontation that could draw in the United States.
Reuters reported that the annual Han Kuang exercises, scheduled for August 5-14, are based on a scenario in which Chinese forces use their routine maneuvers as a smokescreen for building up a full-scale invasion. Under that scenario, Taiwan’s troops would immediately raise combat readiness and begin defensive operations.
China has long claimed Taiwan as part of its territory and has never ruled out seizing the island by force. Should the United States intervene on Taiwan’s behalf, a direct clash between the world’s two most powerful militaries could spiral into World War III.
For years, Taiwan has regularly held maneuvers meant to prepare for military intervention by the People’s Liberation Army. The August drills continue that practice and reflect the assumption that an invasion would start with an attempt to cripple the island’s supply network.
Testing the production lines
Taiwan’s military planners have assumed for years that a Chinese offensive would try to paralyze command centers, ports, logistics hubs and defense factories in the opening phase. This year’s Han Kuang drills are designed to test whether the island’s defense industry can survive and continue delivering equipment to the armed forces.
As part of the maneuver, the army will simulate the relocation of the 202nd Arsenal of the Armaments Bureau from Taipei to an alternative location. An extraordinary order would also mobilize civilian plants responsible for the final assembly of weapon systems.
The exercise is intended to show whether Taiwan can keep up military production even if strategic supply centers are hit by Chinese strikes. These drills are a regular part of Taiwan’s defense planning, but this year they take on extra weight because of the increased pressure around the island.
Keeping the sea routes open
The war games will also examine Taiwan’s ability to maintain open sea lanes and protect deliveries of key supplies. The navy and the coast guard will conduct joint operations using troops, equipment and live ammunition.
All this is happening at a time when Taiwan has observed noticeably more Chinese coast guard activity around the island. Taipei authorities worry that Beijing is escalating pressure on the eastern coast and may threaten the shipping lanes that are vital for resupply.
Source: WNP.PL, Photo: Shutterstock/wz94
