Taiwan's Presidential Office Conducts First-Ever War Games to Prepare for China Emergency

In a historic move, Taiwan's Presidential Office has conducted its first-ever tabletop war games to simulate a potential military escalation with China. The exercise comes amid mounting military threats from Beijing, which continues to assert its claim over Taiwan, a democratic island that firmly rejects China's sovereignty claims.

The three-hour exercise, held within the Presidential Office in Taipei, involved dozens of central and local government agencies, civil groups, and key leaders. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu spearheaded the session, which focused on Taiwan’s readiness to respond to high-pressure scenarios.

Simulating High-Stakes Scenarios

The war games delved into various hypothetical scenarios, including "high-intensity" grey-zone warfare and situations where the island is "on the verge of conflict." Grey-zone warfare refers to aggressive actions that fall short of conventional warfare, such as cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and economic coercion. By testing Taiwan's preparedness, the simulation aimed to evaluate the response mechanisms of government offices and civil society in tandem.

Rising Chinese Threats

China has intensified its military activities near Taiwan in recent years. Notably, Beijing staged two large-scale military exercises around the island in 2024, codenamed "Joint Sword - 2024A" in May and "Joint Sword - 2024B" in October. These drills involved significant naval and air forces, underscoring China's intent to maintain pressure on Taiwan. Daily incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) have also become routine, further heightening tensions.

This month's large-scale massing of Chinese naval forces near Taiwan added urgency to the tabletop exercise. Taiwan has consistently called for international support to counter Beijing’s coercive tactics, emphasizing the need to protect democracy and maintain regional stability.

Strengthening National Preparedness

The decision to conduct the war games within the Presidential Office highlights Taiwan's commitment to bolstering its internal readiness. This unprecedented move reflects a growing recognition of the multifaceted challenges posed by China's aggressive posture. Taiwan's leadership also seeks to involve civil society in its defense strategy, fostering a whole-of-society approach to national security.

The simulation's outcomes are expected to inform Taiwan's broader defense policies and readiness measures. This includes refining coordination among government agencies and enhancing public awareness of the island's security challenges.

International Implications

Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its defensive readiness come as the international community watches closely. Countries like the United States and Japan have expressed strong support for Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait. The war games send a clear message to Beijing that Taiwan is committed to its sovereignty and prepared to defend itself against any potential aggression.

As Taiwan continues to face unprecedented military pressure from China, initiatives like these war games underline the island's resilience and determination to safeguard its democratic way of life.