AdvertisementTaiwanChinaMilitaryTaiwan live-streams Han Kuang navy mine deployment as troops test metro tacticsNavy exercise aimed at deterring potential amphibious PLA operations is broadcast to showcase islands defensive readinessReading Time:3 minutesWhy you can trust SCMP3Lawrence ChunginTaipeiPublished:8:21pm, 14 Jul 2025Taiwans navy on Monday live-streamed a minelaying drill to showcase its determination to block and delay a potentialamphibious assaultby the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).AdvertisementThe display was part of this years annual Han Kuang military exercise aimed at strengthening combat readiness for a potential cross-strait conflict.The drill, held off the Zuoying naval base in the southern port city of Kaohsiung, coincided with a separate urban warfare exercise in which military police armed with Stinger missiles carried out an underground redeployment using the Taipei metro system before dawn to transport troops, ammunition and supplies under simulated air strike threats.Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te (centre) oversees a naval minelaying drill on Monday. Photo: AFPTaiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te oversaw the navy drill, which, like last weeksM1A2T Abrams tanklive-fire training, was broadcast live for the first time to boost public confidence and showcaseoperational readiness.Mondays demonstration featured fast minelaying boats and LCU-406 landing craft, operating under the protection of amphibious reconnaissance units. Troops deployed Taiwan-made Wan Xiang-series naval mines, including moored and bottom types designed to damage or deter both enemy surface ships and submarines.Describing the mines as oceanic roadblocks, a minelaying officer said they were cost-effective and hard to remove a classic asymmetric weapon capable of disrupting PLA landing operations.AdvertisementAdvertisement