Taiwan’s military engineers took center stage on the third day of the “Immediate Combat Response” drills, showcasing their ability to fortify defenses amid rising concerns over a potential Chinese invasion.
Dozens of army engineer troops were mobilized in the southern cities of Taichung and Kaohsiung, where they practiced constructing and deploying counter-mobility obstacles to slow enemy movements.
During the exercise, engineers deployed anti-tank hedgehogs, breakwater concrete blocks, concertina wire, and booby traps along shores and access roads to disrupt potential enemy advances.
These actions are considered vital in helping Taipei prepare for a possible full-scale invasion by China, which continues to view the island nation as a renegade province.
Taiwan holds Danshui River drills
Taiwan soldiers Tuesday practiced deploying floating obstacles designed to hinder Chinese hovercraft and warships from advancing up the Tamsui River toward Taipei as part of its 5-day “Immediate Response” military exercise that began Monday. pic.twitter.com/zZ0azLXqXV
— Focus Taiwan (CNA English News) (@Focus_Taiwan) March 18, 2025
Meanwhile, the Taiwanese military simultaneously fired 240mm M1 howitzers on the offshore frontline island of Kinmen in a simulated defense against invading forces.
Preparing for Unexpected Pivot
The “Immediate Combat Response” is a five-day combat-readiness drill aimed at responding to growing pressure from Beijing.
A military source told local media that the primary objective of the exercise was to prepare for a possible “unexpected pivot” by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Reports have suggested the PLA may transform one of its routine drills around Taiwan into a surprise attack, potentially catching the Taiwanese military off guard.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo has already instructed the military to enhance its monitoring of PLA activities to quickly identify any shift from large-scale exercises to actual conflict.
Prior to deploying counter-mobility obstacles, the military focused on anti-landing combat techniques to prevent Chinese forces from reaching Taipei.
