Taipei: In a first for Taiwan, the Presidential Office has conducted a tabletop exercise simulating a military escalation with China, according to officials familiar with the matter. The three-hour exercise, held on Thursday, brought together representatives from dozens of central and local government agencies, as well as civil organizations, to prepare for potential conflict scenarios.
The simulation comes as China intensifies its military activities around Taiwan, including a recent massing of naval forces and daily maneuvers near the island, which Beijing claims as its territory. Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, has rejected these claims.
High-Level Leadership at the Helm
The war game, conducted inside the Presidential Office in Taipei, was led by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu. The exercise tested the readiness of Taiwan’s government and civil society to respond to “high-intensity” grey-zone warfare and situations where the island could be “on the verge of conflict,” according to a security official briefed on the event.
While the specifics of the scenarios remain classified, the exercise reportedly aimed to enhance coordination among government offices and foster resilience in the face of escalating threats.
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Increasing Military Pressure from Beijing
China has ramped up military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, conducting two major exercises in 2024 alone. These drills, dubbed “Joint Sword – 2024A” in May and “Joint Sword – 2024B” in October, were seen as attempts to intimidate Taipei and signal Beijing’s military capabilities.
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Taiwanese officials have repeatedly condemned such actions, emphasizing their commitment to defending the island’s sovereignty and democracy.
As tensions between Taiwan and China continue to rise, the Presidential Office’s war game underscores Taipei’s proactive measures to prepare for potential emergencies while bolstering national security and civil preparedness.
