Taiwanese defense officials have expressed growing concern that the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) frequent military drills near Taiwan could serve as a cover for a surprise attack on the island. The PLA’s large-scale joint combat exercises have intensified, raising fears that these maneuvers might escalate into actual military operations with little to no warning.
In response to these developments, Taiwan has initiated a 14-day series of war games as part of its annual Han Kuang military exercises. These drills aim to prepare for potential full-scale invasions and include computer simulations using the US-built Joint Theater Level Simulation platform, followed by live-fire exercises scheduled for July. The exercises are designed to test Taiwan’s readiness against aggressive “grey zone” activities and to evaluate the effectiveness of newly acquired weaponry, such as M1A2T tanks and HIMARS rocket systems.
Defense experts have highlighted the PLA’s evolving tactics, including the use of maritime militia vessels, sand dredgers, and drones, which could complicate Taiwan’s defense strategies. Additionally, the PLA’s increasing missile capabilities pose a significant threat, with estimates suggesting that a coordinated missile strike could target multiple locations across Taiwan within minutes.
The international community has taken note of these developments. U.S. officials have labeled China’s military drills near Taiwan as “brazen and irresponsible threats,” reaffirming Washington’s longstanding support for Taipei. Furthermore, Admiral Samuel Paparo, the top U.S. commander in the Indo-Pacific region, has warned that the PLA’s extensive exercises could be used as a “fig leaf” to mask an invasion, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Also read: China conducts large-scale military drills around Taiwan
