Taiwan Simulates Response to Chinese Maritime Blockade in Security Drills
Taiwan's government has conducted tabletop national security exercises simulating responses to a Chinese maritime blockade. Scenarios included Chinese authorities attempting to inspect, board or seize Taiwan-bound ships, with Taiwan deploying its coast guard and armed forces in response. President Lai Ching-te said China masks its coercion under the guise of law enforcement and scientific surveys.
Title: Taiwan Holds Drills to Counter “Gray-Zone” Intrusions
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Drills Counter “Gray-Zone” Intrusions
REPORTER:
Taiwan’s government has held tabletop national security drills to simulate responses to a Chinese maritime blockade.
The exercises were established to deal with "gray-zone intrusions" and "high-intensity maritime coercion.” One scenario saw Chinese authorities attempt to inspect, board or seize Taiwan-bound ships. In response, Taiwan rapidly deployed its coast guard and armed forces, while its defense and foreign ministries moved to publicize China’s violations. President Lai Ching-te spoke after the drills, saying China masks its coercion under the guise of law enforcement and scientific surveys.
Lai Ching-te (PRESIDENT):
It is evident from China's acts of authoritarian expansion that
China is the one altering the status quo in the Taiwan Strait
and disrupting the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Taiwan's efforts to enhance its defense capabilities
maintain a peaceful and stable status quo
and safeguard its democratic and free way of life
are absolutely not acts of provocation.
The exercises come as Taiwan and other countries denounced a Chinese patrol off Taiwan’s east coast.
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Government Simulates Blockade Busting
REPORTER:
Taiwan’s government has held tabletop national security drills to simulate responses to "gray-zone intrusions" and "high-intensity maritime coercion.”
One scenario involved a Chinese maritime blockade, where Beijing attempts to inspect, board or seize shipping bound to Taiwan.
In the drill, Taiwan responded with its own coast guard and military with strong and rapid actions.
In the drill, Taiwan put up a multifaceted response with its own coast guard and armed forces, while the defense and foreign ministries moved to publicize China’s violations of international law and the freedom of navigation.
Speaking at the Presidential Office's Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, President Lai Ching-te said China has been masking its coercion under the guise of law enforcement and scientific surveys.
Lai Ching-te (PRESIDENT):
It is clearly evident from China's acts of authoritarian expansion that
China is the one altering the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and
disrupting the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Taiwan's efforts to enhance its defense capabilities
maintain the peaceful and stable status quo
and safeguard its democratic and free way of life
are absolutely not acts of provocation.
Taiwan this month denounced a Chinese law enforcement patrol off Taiwan’s east coast, an operation that also drew sharp concern from the US, the UK, France and Germany.
