Taiwan's Han Kuang drills to test internet throttling, US-style rehearsals

Taiwan has commenced its annual Han Kuang military exercises, a 10-day event designed to test the island's combat readiness against a potential Chinese invasion. This year's drills introduce novel elements, including the deliberate slowing of mobile internet speeds to simulate communication disruptions during wartime and the adoption of US-style 'backbrief' rehearsals to enhance command coordination. These preparations are intended to improve commanders' ability to adapt to unexpected scenarios and maintain operational intent when facing enemy actions that defy initial expectations. The exercises will involve over 20,000 troops and aim to simulate critical wartime concerns such as breaking a Chinese blockade, wartime relocation of arsenals, and the resilience of command centers and defense industry sites. The inclusion of these realistic elements reflects Taiwan's ongoing effort to move beyond staged drills and prepare its population and military for the harsh realities of conflict.