Taiwan holds naval drill during war games as China steps up maritime pressure

Taiwan's armed forces carried out an anti-blockade drill during annual war games, using the navy and coast guard to simulate escorting a merchant ship, the defence ministry said on Thursday, as China steps up its maritime pressure.



Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, has long been concerned that Beijing could try to choke off the island with a blockade or quarantine to force it into surrender. In June, China began holding what it calls "law enforcement" patrols off Taiwan's east coast, to the anger of Taipei and prompting concern in Washington and some other Western capitals.



In a statement, the ministry said the anti-blockade escort drill used realistic combat-oriented exercises to strengthen cross-agency coordinated response and maritime defence resilience.



The navy worked with coast guard vessels to complete the escort and security protection duties, while a minesweeper cleared a safe navigation channel and guided the simulated merchant vessel to port, it added.



Taiwan's coast guard, which would have an auxiliary role helping the navy in time of war, said the drill took place on Wednesday and the ports the ship was taken to were both on the east coast.