Taiwan to simulate 2027 Chinese attack in annual war games

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Mar 2025 13:09
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According to a report submitted to parliament on Wednesday, this year’s exercises will focus on China's "grey-zone" tactics and the potential actions of the Chinese military in 2027.

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This picture taken and released by Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA) on March 18, 2025, shows a member of the Taiwanese military in an armored vehicle during a drill in New Taipei City. (CNA/AFP)

Taiwanese troops will simulate potential scenarios for a Chinese attack in 2027 during the island's annual military exercises, the Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday.

US officials, Taiwan’s main ally and largest arms supplier, have previously cited 2027 as a possible window for a Chinese attack.

The "Han Kuang" exercises, which take place annually from July 9 to 18, are designed to simulate Taiwan's defense against Chinese assaults. According to a report submitted to parliament on Wednesday, this year’s exercises will focus on China's "grey-zone" tactics and the potential actions of the Chinese military in 2027.

"Commanders at all operational and tactical levels will plan scenarios and situations from a practical perspective based on the possible actions of the enemy," the report said.

The aim was to "verify the ability of troops at all levels to execute plans, thereby building a military force that can respond quickly and maintain 'high combat readiness'," it pointed out.

China frequently conducts military activities near Taiwan, deploying fighter jets, warships, and coast guard vessels, while also conducting major drills around the island.

Analysts characterize these actions as part of Beijing's "grey-zone" tactics—measures short of war aimed at depleting Taiwan's military resources.

Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo warned on Wednesday that the time required for China to transition from exercises to full combat was "not necessarily as long as we used to think," emphasizing the importance of monitoring early warning indicators, though he did not provide further details.

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported that more than 50 Chinese aircraft participated in joint combat patrols around Taiwan on Monday, shortly after Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te labeled China as a "foreign hostile force."

In response, China’s Foreign Ministry stated that these military activities were a reaction to US support for Taiwan and a warning to the "Taiwan independence separatist forces."

Taiwanese officials have expressed concerns over China’s efforts to normalize these drills, with Beijing regularly carrying out "joint combat readiness patrols" involving aircraft and naval vessels every seven to ten days.

China, which claims Taiwan as its own, has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan, in turn, strongly rejects China's sovereignty claims, insisting that only its people have the right to determine their future.