Taiwan Throttles Mobile Internet During First Air Defense Drill in Annual War Games
Taiwan is conducting its annual Han Kuang military exercises this week, including an air defense drill that throttles mobile internet speeds for the first time and a chemical decontamination exercise simulating a Chinese attack. [4] [3]
Taiwan Launches Air Defense Drill With Mobile Data Throttling
Taipei police urged the public to prepare in advance for Thursday's Urban Resilience Air Defense Exercise simulating a surprise aerial attack, with mobile 4G and 5G data speeds deliberately reduced from 2:30pm to 3pm across multiple northern counties and cities. [1] During the drill, traffic restrictions will be imposed, most businesses suspended, and people directed to air raid shelters; non-compliance can result in fines of NT$30,000 to NT$150,000. [1] The exercise is to be held from 2:30pm to 3pm on Thursday in Taipei, New Taipei City, Taoyuan, Keelung, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu County and Yilan County. [1] It is designed to simulate a surprise aerial attack on Taiwan. [1] When the alarm sounds, police officers and other government personnel are to direct people to air defense shelters or other safe indoor locations, the Taipei Police Department said in a news release. [1] During the drill, 4G and 5G mobile data speeds would be deliberately reduced. [1] Traffic controls would be implemented across the city during the exercise, and members of the public are required to follow evacuation instructions. [1] Most indoor and outdoor business operations would be temporarily suspended during the drill, although medical services and other essential activities would continue as normal. [1] The Taipei Taoyuan metros would continue operating throughout the exercise. [1] Passengers would be allowed to enter stations, but would not be permitted to exit until the drill ends. [1] The Taipei Metro advised passengers that, because mobile data speeds would be significantly reduced, those using QR code tickets on their phones may encounter difficulties. [1] The Taoyuan Metro similarly warned that its Web site, mobile app and QR code ticketing services may be affected during the exercise. [1] Underground malls and affiliated parking lots in the metro system would be subject to the same entry only, no exit restrictions during the drill. [1]
Public Preparation Advised Ahead of Thursday Exercise
Police advised residents to download offline maps provided by the department, the National Police Agency and the National Fire Agency. [1] They also recommended locating nearby air raid shelters in advance and saving screenshots in case mobile service is disrupted. [1] Police reiterated the principle that going underground is better than staying above ground, and going indoors is better than remaining outdoors. [1] People who are in buildings without air raid shelters, or who are unable to relocate safely, should remain indoors and stay away from windows, glass doors and other potentially hazardous objects. [1] During evacuation, people are advised to adopt a protective posture by crouching down and covering their heads. [1] Those who remain under outdoor covered walkways or outside instead of complying with evacuation orders could face fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$150,000. [1]
Military Runs Chemical Decontamination Drill in Hualien
The military conducted a nuclear, biological and chemical decontamination drill in Hualien County on Monday as part of the live-fire segment, testing response to a simulated chemical weapons attack by Chinese spies aimed at delaying reinforcements. [3] The drill, which was held in Hualien County and mobilized armored vehicles and military personnel, was aimed at testing the armed forces' response to a simulated chemical weapons attack by a group of Chinese spies in Taiwan. [3] Under the scenario used, the spies managed to release toxic gases around multiple military positions in Hualien in an attempt to delay troops in eastern Taiwan from reinforcing forces defending the northern part of the main island. [3] Troops perform decontamination procedures on an armored vehicle during the annual Han Kuang military exercises in Hualien. [3] A reporter embedded with the military witnessed firsthand the opening of a temporary decontamination station by troops from the Chemical Group within 30 minutes of receiving the order. [3] Chemical Group soldiers were seen wearing Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear respirators while rigorously disinfecting tanks and armored vehicles according to designated procedures. [3] The decontamination procedures included identifying contaminated areas and detecting toxic substances before removing hazardous materials, first with hot water and then with decontamination powder. [3] Vehicles also had to drive through a decontamination pit filled with cleansing materials to remove toxic agents from their undersides. [3] Before allowing the armored vehicles to leave, soldiers used detection papers and instruments to double-check that they no longer contained contaminated materials. [3] It took eight to 10 minutes for each armored vehicle to complete the decontamination process. [3] The annual Han Kuang exercises, which have served as Taiwan's largest-scale war games since 1984, are aimed at testing the nation's combat readiness in the event of a possible Chinese invasion. [3] The large-scale exercises are held in two stages. [3] This year's edition of the tabletop war games was conducted from April 11 to 24, while the live-fire portion is set to run from Wednesday last week to Friday. [3]
Pakistan Clarifies Mecca Defense Pact With Saudi Arabia and Turkey
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement on August 7, 2026, which Pakistan described as purely defensive, open to other nations, and consistent with UN Charter Article 51 on collective self-defense. [2] Pakistan has made it clear that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement is not directed against any country and that other countries may also join the pact. [2] Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made these remarks in a post on X. [2] Dar added that the Mecca Agreement is purely defensive in nature, is not directed against any country, and is aimed solely at further strengthening ongoing efforts for peace, stability and prosperity across the wider region. [2] He said the Mecca Agreement is the result of several years of discussions and mutual consultations, aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation to address various security challenges and promote peace, stability and prosperity across the region. [2] According to Dar, the agreement does not supersede or replace any existing bilateral or multilateral agreements between the three countries, nor does it affect their existing agreements with other countries or organizations. [2] It also stipulates that an external armed attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all three. [2] This principle is consistent with the right of individual and collective self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. [2] Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with all brotherly countries in the region to promote lasting peace and stability. [2] Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed the agreement in Mecca on Friday in the presence of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. [2] The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation hailed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement as an important strategic step. [2] OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha said the agreement would help strengthen security and stability in the region and the Muslim world. [2]
Baltic Airspace Violations Cease Amid Ukraine Strikes
Lithuanian Defence Minister stated that Baltic airspace incursions have stopped as Ukraine shifts its attacks to targets deeper inside Russia. [5] Airspace violations in the Baltic states have stopped as Ukraine has shifted its attacks to targets deeper inside Russia, Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said Monday. [5]
What to watch next: The live-fire portion of the Han Kuang exercises continues through Friday while the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement remains open to additional nations joining under its collective self-defense terms.
