Taiwan’s military conducted simulation drills repelling attacks from Chinese forces in the Penghu Islands following years of threats from President Xi Jinping to absorb the Taiwanese people and territory. 

The simulation, conducted annually for the first time, disrupted the internet for about 30 minutes leaving citizens digitally stranded to acquaint them with what to expect in the event China makes good on its threat.

Every year, Taiwan launches drills alongside its 10-day Han Kuang war games, clearing citizens off the streets within a 30-minute period.

The games, which had been announced on several platforms to inform citizens, included various exercises aimed at preparing the military for an effective response should China invade the territory.

The games were intended to keep citizens alert and better prepare them for a potential Chinese invasion given Mr Jinping’s longheld claim of asserting sovereignty over the island. Penghu is deemed a soft target for the Chinese.