Taiwan Plans Inter-Ministerial Exercises to Counter China's Blockade Risk, Says Deputy Interior Minister Ma Shih-yuan

Taiwan's Deputy Interior Minister Ma Shih-yuan stated in an interview with Bloomberg that the government will soon hold its first joint exercise involving the Ministry of Interior and other ministries. The exercise aims to ensure the escort of ships carrying natural gas and oil, securing critical supplies for Taiwan in the event of a Chinese naval blockade. Ma Shih-yuan warned that a large-scale blockade of Taiwan's surrounding areas would impact the entire region, citing Iran's recent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as an example of related risks. He emphasized that a blockade of the Taiwan Strait or surrounding areas would be equivalent to a complete interruption of regional energy supply, affecting not only Taiwan but the entire region. Although China has not threatened to cut off supplies to Taiwan or other economies, Taiwan regularly conducts exercises to prepare for potential hostile actions by the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The Ministry of National Defense spokesperson stated on April 10 that all scenarios and possible actions by the PLA would be included in drills to prepare response plans. The Ministry of Interior informed Bloomberg today that the 'Taiwan government expects to hold an anti-blockade scenario tabletop exercise around June,' with further exercises in September to test international aid ship docking and escorting domestic land transport. Ma Shih-yuan noted that the Ministry of Interior will lead land transport exercises focusing on domestic material transport before July, while the Navy and Coast Guard will be responsible for maritime escort operations for ships sailing in waters around Taiwan. Unlike the Strait of Hormuz controlled by Iran, ships can bypass the Taiwan Strait by sailing east of Taiwan, but rerouting through the Pacific would likely increase shipping costs and extend transit times. Ma Shih-yuan mentioned, 'We hope to maintain three open shipping lanes to counter a Chinese blockade,' with humanitarian aid operations during large-scale disasters also a key focus. These lanes would maintain Taiwan's connections with the Philippines, Japan, and the United States. Ma Shih-yuan expects Japan and other countries to assist in future escort missions, noting that 'freedom of navigation operations' in the Taiwan Strait have demonstrated an informal international consensus to keep the strait open. He stressed, 'Even without a formal agreement, there is a consensus among countries.' He is confident Taiwan can maintain shipping open even if a blockade occurs tomorrow. The military is drawing lessons from current conflicts. According to the Ministry of National Defense, the military began its annual Han Kuang No. 42 exercise tabletop drill on April 11, referencing events such as the Iran crisis and the US arrest of then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January. Additionally, a Coast Guard spokesperson stated last week that the Coast Guard will participate in an East Coast exercise led by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications' Maritime and Port Bureau in late September, simulating wartime blockade scenarios.