Key facts
- Taiwan conducted a tabletop exercise simulating responses to a potential Chinese maritime blockade.
- The drill involved scenarios of China demanding shipping declarations and potentially seizing vessels.
- Taiwan thanked the U.S., UK, France, and Germany for expressing concern over recent Chinese Coast Guard patrols.
- China's defense ministry defended its patrols as legitimate actions to safeguard sovereignty.
- Taiwan views China's actions as "maritime expansionism" that threaten regional stability and freedom of navigation.
Taiwan has simulated countering a potential Chinese maritime blockade in a tabletop exercise, a move that comes as allied nations express alarm over recent Chinese Coast Guard activities near the island. The drill, detailed by National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Lii Wen, involved scenarios where China demands shipping declarations and could escalate to inspections, boardings, searches, and seizures of vessels.
Taiwan's government views these actions as "maritime expansionism" that undermine regional security and freedom of navigation. President Lai Ching-te stated that China's acts of expansion under the guise of law enforcement threaten peace and stability. The exercise also included plans for the military to conduct combat readiness drills and for ministries to launch a publicity campaign against China's actions.
Separately, the U.S. government revealed that China has been pressuring U.S. states and businesses to limit engagement with Taiwan. Three U.S. departments released joint letters alleging that China's embassy and consulates often mischaracterize U.S. policy in these efforts. Taiwan thanked the U.S., United Kingdom, France, and Germany for voicing concerns over China's patrols off its east coast.
China's defense ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang defended the patrols as legitimate and necessary actions to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights.