The Lethal Weapon China Has Planned for Decades — Mines
The US-Iran war has put a spotlight on one of the oldest — and most overlooked — forms of naval warfare: sea mines. As Tehran threatens shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, attention is turning to how simple, low-cost weapons can disrupt global trade and challenge even the most advanced navies. For China, mine warfare has long been a core part of its strategy, with analysts warning it may play a decisive role in any Taiwan conflict. Could hidden underwater mines become a key tool in blockading Taiwan or denying access to critical sea lanes? In this episode, we examine China’s mine warfare capabilities, Taiwan’s countermeasures, and why this “assassin’s mace” could reshape the balance of sea power in the Indo-Pacific. *Recorded on March 26, 2026 at 4:40pm Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Research Assistant: Ryan Pham Our guests: Tony Hu - Former US Department of Defense Senior Director for China, Taiwan and Mongolia James Fanell - US Navy Captain (Ret.)
