Rising Tensions: Taiwanese NGOs Conduct 2030 Wargame Exercise on Chinese Naval Incursion

Taipei, Taiwan | June 11, 2025 – In a significant move to enhance civil preparedness and strategic awareness, several Taiwanese NGOs recently carried out a large-scale 2030 wargame exercise simulating a Chinese naval incursion, drawing attention to growing regional security concerns and the need for proactive civilian defense planning.

Taiwanese NGOs simulate Chinese naval incursion in 2030 wargame exercise

The 2030 wargame exercise simulating Chinese naval incursion was led by a coalition of Taiwanese non-governmental organizations including think tanks, academic institutions, and civil defense groups. The initiative aimed to envision and respond to potential Chinese military aggression in the Taiwan Strait by the year 2030, a period seen by analysts as critical for regional stability.

Held in Taipei over several days, the exercise included detailed simulations involving a hypothetical full-scale naval blockade and landing operation by China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The scenario reflected escalating geopolitical frictions and mirrored real-world tensions that have been rising steadily in the Taiwan Strait.

Focus on civilian coordination and strategic resilience

The central theme of the 2030 wargame exercise simulating Chinese naval incursion was not only on military tactics but also on how civilians, local governments, and NGOs would respond to such a crisis. Participants from diverse backgrounds collaborated on resource allocation, communication strategies, emergency shelter logistics, and international diplomatic responses.

Organizers stated that the goal was to raise awareness and foster a culture of preparedness among the general public. “We want to ensure that Taiwan is not just relying on its armed forces, but also building community-based resilience,” said Dr. Chia-Ling Lin, a political strategist involved in the event.

International observers take note

The 2030 wargame exercise simulating Chinese naval incursion also garnered attention from international policy circles. Defense analysts and foreign observers from countries including the United States, Japan, and Australia reportedly monitored the proceedings closely.

Taiwan’s increasing emphasis on wargaming and simulation-based defense scenarios has become a core part of its strategic communication. These exercises are seen as tools to deter potential adversaries by showcasing both military preparedness and civic resilience.

Chinese response to the 2030 wargame exercise

In response to the event, Chinese state media criticized the exercise, labeling it as provocative and escalatory. However, Taiwanese officials and NGO representatives defended the initiative as a purely defensive and educational endeavor aimed at ensuring peace through preparedness.

The 2030 wargame exercise simulating Chinese naval incursion reflects Taiwan’s growing concern over Beijing’s intentions and military ambitions. With China’s military modernization efforts in full swing, and repeated instances of Chinese vessels and aircraft operating near Taiwan, such concerns are far from hypothetical.

Public engagement and awareness through simulation

A key feature of the 2030 wargame exercise simulating Chinese naval incursion was the involvement of university students, civil volunteers, and tech companies. Interactive simulation platforms allowed participants to experience crisis decision-making in real-time, offering both educational value and strategic insights.

“The youth of Taiwan must be part of our national defense ecosystem,” said Wu Cheng, a student coordinator at National Taiwan University who took part in the simulations. “These exercises help us understand what’s at stake and how we can contribute.”

Looking ahead: More exercises planned

Following the success of this exercise, Taiwanese NGOs plan to conduct similar simulations annually, focusing on evolving threat scenarios and incorporating feedback from the latest geopolitical developments. The continued use of wargames is being seen not only as a strategic necessity but also as a tool for civic empowerment.

The 2030 wargame exercise simulating Chinese naval incursion is expected to set a precedent for how democracies facing external threats can leverage civil society to enhance national preparedness. As regional tensions continue to simmer, Taiwan is clearly positioning itself as a proactive and resilient actor on the global stage.