Taiwanese officials conducted a tabletop exercise on Thursday to test responses to a potential Chinese maritime blockade, using a scenario in which Beijing attempts to exert control over shipping bound for the island.

The exercise was presented at a meeting of President Lai Ching-te’s Whole-of-Society Defence Resilience Committee and reflected concerns that China could use legal and coast guard measures, rather than direct military action, to pressure Taiwan.

Scenario Involved Ship Inspections and Seizures

According to National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Lii Wen, the exercise imagined a situation in which China’s Coast Guard announces that vessels entering and leaving Taiwanese ports must first complete declarations through a Chinese government trade portal.

Under the scenario, China gradually escalates pressure through inspections, boardings, searches and even the seizure of vessels, disrupting Taiwan’s maritime supply lines.

The exercise examined how such actions could affect the island’s access to critical imports and trade routes.

Taiwan’s Planned Response

Taiwan’s response in the simulation involved multiple government agencies.

The Coast Guard would undertake what officials described as strong frontline law-enforcement measures, while the military would launch immediate combat-readiness drills.

Government departments, including the defence and foreign ministries, would also begin a diplomatic and public information campaign highlighting what Taiwan views as violations of international law and freedom of navigation.

Growing Concern Over Non-Military Pressure

China has never ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control and regularly deploys military aircraft and naval vessels around the island.

However, Taipei is increasingly focused on what it sees as “grey-zone” tactics, including coast guard patrols, maritime law enforcement operations and legal measures designed to increase pressure without triggering open conflict.

Earlier this month, China’s Coast Guard conducted what it described as a law-enforcement patrol off Taiwan’s east coast and said it had inspected shipping in the area.

The operation drew criticism from Taiwan and expressions of concern from the United States, Britain, France and Germany.

Beijing Defends Its Actions

Speaking in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang defended the patrols.

“Our law-enforcement patrols in the relevant waters are legitimate and necessary and are a just action to safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” he said.

China maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory and rejects any claims of sovereignty by the island’s government.

Lai Warns Against ‘Expansion Under Law Enforcement’

Opening the resilience committee meeting, President Lai accused Beijing of using law-enforcement measures to advance its territorial ambitions.

He said China’s “acts of expansion carried out under the guise of law enforcement” undermine regional peace, security and stability.

“Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its self-defence capabilities, maintain the peaceful and stable status quo, and safeguard its democratic and free way of life are absolutely not provocations,” Lai added.

The exercise highlights Taiwan’s growing focus on preparing for forms of coercion that fall short of outright military conflict but could still significantly disrupt the island’s economy and security.

(with input from Reuters)