A recent war game simulated a PLA surprise attack on Taiwan’s east coast, highlighting new threats and strategies. From June 9 to 10, the Taipei School of Economics and Political Science Foundation hosted a Taiwan Defense tabletop exercise (TTX). The final phase of the simulation, set in 2030, focused on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launching a rapid joint assault on Penghu and Taiwan’s east coast. First, PLA amphibious vehicles moved southeast of Magong.
They then began a sustained barrage of long-range fire and drone strikes on Penghu. Simultaneously, airborne PLA troops parachuted onto Xiyu and Baisha Townships. As a result, communications in the region were cut off. Moreover, the U.S. intelligence team confirmed Penghu’s capture through satellite images. Soon after, Chinese vessels appeared unloading supplies at Magong Harbor. Social media showed viral videos of PLA helicopters, drones, tanks, and air defense units near Penghu Airport.
The PLA’s Ministry of National Defense issued a statement, claiming they had “recovered Penghu.” They urged Taiwan’s government to “recognize the situation” and stop resisting to avoid further casualties. Taiwan’s team received warnings of multiple PLA amphibious fleets setting sail from Ningbo and Zhanjiang. These fleets headed toward Taiwan’s northern and southern coasts. Unexpectedly, the China team launched a surprise landing on Taiwan’s east coast first.
Brigade-level PLA troops stormed beaches between the Beinan and Zhiben rivers, seized bridges on Highway 11, and parachuted into Taitung Airport. Additional forces landed in Hualien and Yilan counties. The China team explained their goal was to “compel unification by force” through a full-scale invasion. Their scenario broke with traditional tactics, reflecting China’s growing military strength and technological advances. The exercise explored challenges in defending Taiwan and Penghu, while testing new solutions.
Their four-phase plan included: first, blinding Taiwan’s reconnaissance and communications; second, neutralizing air defenses; third, disabling airports and blockading ports; and fourth, isolating eastern and western battlefields by destroying key roads and bridges. According to the China team, the PLA surprise attack on Taiwan’s east coast offered strategic advantages.
The region’s weaker defenses and lower urban density made it an appealing target. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s team admitted Penghu’s fall was quicker than expected. Former Army Commander Hu Cheng-fu stressed that outlying islands usually fight independently. Smaller islands protect larger ones, and vice versa. He called Penghu “the gateway to Taiwan.” Therefore, he warned, losing Penghu would allow continuous Chinese logistics flow. He urged that “all firepower and forces must be used to defend Penghu.”
