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The Penghu Islands, located in the Taiwan Strait, are becoming a major hub in Taipei's preparations to face any potential Chinese attack, as Taiwanese forces intensify their military drills, alongside programs to train civilians on how to deal with blockades, supply shortages, and damage repair in the event of war.

Thousands of Taiwanese troops are stationed in the Penghu archipelago, which consists of about 90 islands and islets and is located approximately 50 kilometers from the southwestern coast of the main island, amid estimates from Taiwanese security and military officials that these islands will be on the front lines of any potential Chinese invasion.

Penghu is famous for its beaches and coral reefs and is a popular local tourist destination; however, its geographical location gives it exceptional military significance in any potential conflict between Beijing and Taipei.

Penghu... The First Line of Defense

During live-fire drills conducted in August as part of the annual Han Kuang exercises, Taiwanese soldiers prepared 105mm artillery shells, while tanks and armored personnel carriers were deployed in various locations in preparation for simulating the repulsion of forces attempting a maritime landing.

According to global media reports, military experts believe that controlling Penghu would give China a significant strategic advantage, while keeping the islands in Taiwanese hands would pose an obstacle to any Chinese fleet heading toward the main island.

Su Tzu-yun from the National Defense and Security Research Institute stated that Chinese forces would be compelled to attack Penghu before heading to Taiwan, due to the missile capabilities stationed there that can target Chinese ships attempting to bypass the archipelago.

He added that Taiwanese forces could use the islands to launch missile attacks on advancing Chinese forces and could also carry out counter-strikes toward areas deeper within China.

Missiles and Drones on the Front Line

Taiwan has bolstered Penghu's defenses with long-range weapons, including Hsiung Feng 3 anti-ship missiles, which can be used to target naval vessels and Chinese forces even before they cross the Taiwan Strait.

This month’s drills saw the deployment of the Taiwanese Navy's coastal operations command in Penghu for the first time, with missile launch platforms sent to coastal sites to conduct exercises against ships and landing operations.

The Taiwanese military also established its first drone unit in the islands in July, and drones were used during the Han Kuang exercises.

The United States, as Taiwan's most important security partner, emphasizes the significance of drones in any potential defensive strategy for the island.

Military Test Reveals a Weakness

Despite the intensive preparations, experts disagree on Penghu's ability to withstand a large-scale Chinese attack.

During a war game held last year with the participation of retired military officials from the United States, Taiwan, and Japan, the islands fell just one day after the start of surprise long-range Chinese attacks targeting military sites and infrastructure facilities across Taiwan.

The rapid fall of Penghu shocked the Taiwanese participants in the exercise organized by a research center in Taipei.

The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense had indicated, in response to the results of that exercise, that the government takes such scenarios into account when adjusting its defense plans.

110,000 Civilians Prepare for War

Preparations in Penghu are not limited to the military; Taiwanese authorities are working to enhance the resilience of about 110,000 people living in the archipelago in the event of war or a blockade of the islands.

About 1,200 people have been trained under a government program known as "Community-Wide Defense Resilience" to provide support during emergencies, including first aid, food distribution, assisting in building fortifications, and countering hostile propaganda.

Taiwan aims to train about 200,000 people across the island by the end of the year.

Chen Cheng-chung, the mayor of Huxi Township, which includes vital facilities such as cargo docks, an airport used for both civilian and military purposes, and the main power station in Penghu, stated that residents need to feel the danger and be prepared for it.

He added that Penghu will certainly be among the first areas that could be attacked.

Shops and Pharmacies Are Also Preparing

The authorities' preparations extend to the private sector, as local entities have signed agreements with grocery stores, pharmacies, construction companies, and auto repair shops to ensure the continued provision of essential supplies and services during any crisis.

During the August drills, armed soldiers trained alongside auto shop employees to repair damaged military vehicles in a scenario simulating damage to logistics facilities.

The Chinese Blockade... A No Less Dangerous Scenario

Penghu is preparing not only for a direct military attack but also for the possibility of China imposing a blockade on Taiwan without resorting to a full-scale invasion.

Officials and experts believe that a Chinese blockade could suffocate the trade-dependent Taiwanese economy and quickly isolate remote islands like Penghu, cutting off their supplies.

Drills on Raids and Blockades

The city of Magong, the urban center of the archipelago, is conducting drills simulating a blockade and the outbreak of full-scale battles, according to Mayor Huang Jian-chung.

The municipal authorities have also made agreements with food stores, pharmacies, and construction companies to secure necessary supplies and ensure the ability to repair damages if a crisis erupts.

In one of the air raid drills during August, the streets of Magong appeared almost empty, while residents and authorities practiced how to respond to a potential attack.

Why Are the Penghu Islands Important to China and Taiwan?

Penghu has a strategic location roughly midway between the Chinese coast and Taiwan, making it a potential launch point for any military operation targeting the main island.

For centuries, the islands have been used as a launch point for invasions aimed at Taiwan, and they also feature a deep natural harbor.

During World War II, when Taiwan was a Japanese colony, the harbor was bombed by Allied forces in the later stages of the war.

Some analysts believe that the nature of the islands and their location may make controlling them more difficult than it appears on maps.

Ian Easton, a researcher on Chinese invasion plans for Taiwan at the U.S. Naval War College, stated that he believes if a major military confrontation breaks out, the People's Liberation Army will find Penghu a tough adversary.

A Greater Conflict Between Beijing and Washington

These preparations come amid escalating competition between China and the United States for influence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to subjugate the island, while Taipei asserts that it is effectively independent and that its future can only be decided by the Taiwanese people.

U.S. officials have stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed the Chinese military to be ready to seize Taiwan by 2027.

In response, Taipei continues to bolster its defenses, not only through weapons, missiles, and drones but also by preparing civilians for the possibilities of war, blockade, and supply disruptions.

Thus, Penghu, known to tourists for its beaches and coral reefs, faces a new reality that makes it both a tranquil tourist destination and a frontline defense in one of the world's most dangerous military flashpoints.