Key facts
- Taiwan's military conducted an anti-blockade drill during its annual Han Kuang exercise.
- The drill simulated escorting a merchant ship using the navy and coast guard.
- Taiwan is concerned about China potentially imposing a blockade.
- China has been conducting 'law enforcement' patrols off Taiwan's east coast.
- Soldiers also erected barricades on roads leading to a key Taipei bridge.
Taiwan's armed forces conducted an anti-blockade drill simulating the escort of a merchant ship, involving the navy, coast guard, and mine sweepers, as part of its annual Han Kuang war games. The exercise aims to bolster the island's maritime defense resilience amid increasing pressure from China, which views Taiwan as its territory and has been conducting patrols off its east coast. Separately, soldiers erected barricades on roads leading to a key Taipei bridge, simulating defensive measures against a potential Chinese assault. Meanwhile, China and Indonesia are preparing for their first joint naval drill east of Taiwan.