Taiwan Tests Internet Resilience Amid Han Kuang War Games

On a recent Thursday, Taiwan’s authorities conducted an urban-resilience drill that temporarily halted internet service for about thirty minutes in Taipei and other northern cities. A siren sounded at 2:30 p.m. local time, prompting pedestrians to seek shelter and drivers to pull over until the signal ceased at 3 p.m. The exercise was part of a broader simulation of a Chinese air-raid scenario and tested the island’s ability to maintain communications under hostile conditions.

Newsweek

The drill was integrated into the annual Han Kuang war games, a ten-day series of exercises that have become the longest on record. In recent years, Han Kuang has shifted from purely military maneuvers to a “whole-of-society” approach that includes civilian participation, traffic control, evacuation procedures, and coordination with volunteer groups. The drills come amid heightened Chinese pressure on Taiwan, including frequent air and naval operations around the island and public statements by President Xi Jinping asserting sovereignty over Taiwan.

Newsweek

President Lai Ching-te addressed the public, emphasizing that the exercise was “necessary” and urging citizens’ understanding and support, noting that repeated drills increase societal stability during crises. Chinese officials did not provide comment when contacted for a response. U.S. officials have warned that Chinese leadership could consider military action against Taiwan by the end of the decade. A poll conducted by National Chengchi University in March found that fewer than eight percent of respondents favored unification with China, underscoring domestic resistance to Beijing’s claims.

Newsweek

• Internet outage duration: roughly 30 minutes.

Taiwan simulated military drills, disrupted internet for potential China invasion: Report

• Han Kuang length: 10 days, the longest in the exercise’s history.

Newsweek

• First integration of resilience drills with the broader military framework, requiring local governments and armed forces to operate under identical wartime scenarios.

Newsweek

• New test elements included cross-county medical evacuations, supply deliveries during emergencies, and hospital operations from temporary underground facilities.

Newsweek

By simulating communications blackouts and urban attacks, Taiwan aims to bolster civilian readiness and demonstrate the capacity to sustain critical infrastructure during conflict. The drills also serve as a signal to Beijing that Taiwan is preparing comprehensive defensive measures, while providing the United States and other allies with observable evidence of the island’s resilience planning. Continued integration of civilian and military responses may shape future cross-strait dynamics and influence regional security assessments.

Newsweek