Taiwan Throttled Civilian Mobile Internet for the First Time During Record 10-Day Han Kuang War Drills

For the first time in its history, Taiwan deliberately slowed civilian mobile internet during a military exercise. The measure, implemented in two 30-minute phases during the 2026 Han Kuang drills, reduced mobile data speeds to near-text-only levels to simulate the impact of a communications infrastructure attack . The test was part of a broader shift in Taiwan's defense posture: the 2026 exercises were among the longest on record, incorporated American-style command methods for the first time, and unfolded against a backdrop of heightened Chinese military activity and an unresolved $14 billion U.S. arms sale .

The Mobile Internet Throttling: Scope and Execution

The unprecedented internet slowdown occurred in two phases. On August 10, mobile internet was throttled across a large swath of central Taiwan, including the major city of Taichung . On August 13, the throttling was repeated in northern Taiwan, covering the capital Taipei and six other cities and localities . Each slowdown lasted approximately 30 minutes .

During the throttling, only basic mobile phone services functioned; key infrastructure such as ATMs, traffic signals, landlines, and fixed-line internet were not affected . The drill was designed to test how civilians and critical services would communicate if bandwidth became scarce in an emergency, from a natural disaster to a military attack . The affected areas were home to about 70% of the island's population .

Record-Length Drills: Ten Days of Asymmetric and Civil Defense

The 2026 Han Kuang exercises ran from August 5 to August 14, making them among the longest on record . The drills focused on asymmetric warfare, civilian resilience, and critical infrastructure protection . Key components included:

Air Raid and Infrastructure Lockdown

On August 13, air raid sirens sounded across Taipei; streets were cleared, public spaces emptied, and civilians directed indoors as part of a coordinated civil defense drill . The urban resilience exercises were for the first time fully integrated into the military-focused Han Kuang schedule, expanding from a single day to two days .

Integration of ~20,000 Reservists

Approximately 20,000 reservists were called up to participate in combat and support roles alongside active-duty forces, testing the island's mass mobilization capabilities .

Bridge Blockade Rehearsal

In the early hours of August 13, military police staged a defensive blockade drill on Guangfu Bridge in Taipei's Wanhua District. Troops placed gabions and Jersey barriers on the bridge to simulate preventing enemy armored units from advancing into the capital .

First Joint Navy–Coast Guard Anti-Blockade Drill

On August 13, Taiwan's navy and coast guard conducted a joint anti-blockade exercise off the island's east coast. A Yushan-class landing platform dock simulated a merchant ship carrying essential supplies, while navy and coast guard vessels — including a minesweeper clearing a safe navigation channel — escorted it to port. It was the first time both services worked together in this scenario .

U.S.-Style Backbrief Method

For the first time, the drills incorporated U.S.-inspired "backbrief" (confirmation brief) methods, where subordinates explain their plans to commanders to confirm understanding and intent before execution . Analysts noted this reflected deeper operational alignment with the U.S. military and a shift toward more decentralized, front-line decision-making .

The $14 Billion U.S. Arms Package in Limbo

Throughout the exercises, a major strategic question hung over Taiwan's defense planning: a new U.S. arms package worth approximately $14 billion had been anticipated but had not been approved by President Donald Trump . Trump said in May 2026, after his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, that he had not decided whether to proceed with the sale . Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te publicly urged Washington to approve it quickly . The uncertainty marked a notable shift after the Trump administration had approved a record $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan in December 2025 .

Concurrent Chinese Military Activity

Throughout the 10-day Han Kuang drills, China ramped up military pressure around the island. Chinese air force planes and navy ships were detected frequently near Taiwan, including in the waters off the east coast where the anti-blockade drill took place . China reiterated its opposition to U.S. arms sales and conducted its own military maneuvers in the region during the same period .