Taiwan Simulates Wartime Internet Disruption During Han Kuang Defense Drills

TAIPEI: Taiwan briefly slowed mobile internet services in Taipei and six other cities and localities on Thursday as part of its annual Han Kuang military exercises, in a move designed to simulate communications disruptions during a potential conflict with China, the Associated Press reported.

Telecommunications operators reduced mobile internet speeds to 256 kilobits per second for about 30 minutes, making it difficult for users to access anything beyond basic text-based services. The exercise formed part of the final phase of the Han Kuang drills, which began last week and are designed to test Taiwan’s preparedness for a possible Chinese military attack.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te apologized for the temporary disruption and urged the public to understand and support the exercise, describing it as a necessary measure to strengthen preparedness.

This year’s drills have placed greater emphasis on realistic wartime scenarios and have involved reservists, civilians and local governments. Exercises have included simulated air raids, the temporary closure of metro stations and preparations by hospitals to relocate critical operations to underground facilities.

The intensified exercises come amid heightened tensions between Taiwan and China. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and regularly conducts military activities around the island.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said that between Wednesday and Thursday morning, 18 Chinese military aircraft and 11 navy vessels were operating around Taiwan, highlighting the security environment in which the latest defense preparations are being conducted.