TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Han Kuang (漢光演習) 41 Computer-Assisted Command Post Exercise (CPX) concluded on April 18, amid calls from Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislators for a "Capital Preparedness Drill." The proposal came after a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propaganda video targeted Taipei 101 (台北101) and the surrounding areas in early April. The exercise reportedly tested alternate command centers for extreme scenarios.
This year's CPX simulated potential Taipei occupation scenarios, with experts recommending greater focus on urban warfare tactics. This approach aims to enhance defense planning and countermeasures, particularly if the Republic of China Armed Forces Joint Operations Command Center (JOCC, 國軍聯合作戰指揮中心) were to be disabled by missile strikes. The exercise also evaluated backup systems during internet and power disruptions.
Yang Tai-yuan (楊太源), a researcher at Tamkang University's (淡江大學) Centre for Advanced Technology, emphasizes the importance of mobile command capabilities if the JOCC becomes inoperable. Chieh Chung (揭仲) from the Association of Strategic Foresight (中華戰略前瞻協會) cautioned that initial People's Liberation Army (PLA, 解放軍) landing operations would likely target Taipei to neutralize key military command centers.
According to a recent report from The Guardian, Taiwanese officials plan to convert over 10,000 convenience stores into wartime community hubs during a potential conflict. These locations would distribute supplies and provide medical assistance, building on their role during the pandemic.
In response to media reports, Yang expresses concerns about securing these supply points, warning they could benefit Chinese forces if Taiwan's troops were defeated. Chieh noted that experiences from Eastern Ukraine demonstrate that local governments often can only maintain a few large shelters when operational capacity diminishes.
Chieh also highlights Taipei's diverse combat environments, including high-rise urban settings and underground infrastructure such as railways and metro systems. The Office of the President states that comprehensive assessments are needed before finalizing specific plans. While entering a state of readiness requires only an order, true preparedness demands a multi-layered approach. Military officials should focus on addressing past defense shortcomings rather than repeating familiar drills.★
