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

AI Summary

Taiwan conducted an anti-blockade naval drill during its annual war games, involving navy and coast guard forces escorting merchant ships. This is part of Taiwan's response to increasing maritime pressure from China, which views the island as its territory and might attempt a blockade.

By Ben Blanchard and Yi-Chin Lee TAIPEI, Aug 13 (Reuters) - 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.