Taiwan Fortifies Penghu Archipelago Amidst Growing China Threat
Taiwan is actively fortifying the Penghu archipelago, a strategically vital cluster of 90 islands, in anticipation of a potential Chinese attack. Military assessments indicate that Penghu would likely bear the initial brunt of an invasion attempt. The Taiwanese military is conducting exercises on the islands, practicing the repulsion of amphibious landings using tanks, artillery, mortars, and infantry. Notably, Hsiung Feng III mobile anti-ship missile systems have been deployed to Penghu for the first time, and a drone unit was established in July. These measures aim to complicate the People's Liberation Army's ability to amass forces along the coast and to counter the Chinese navy's advance towards Taiwan's main island. China's Ministry of Defense has previously dismissed Taiwan's fortification plans as "absurd and delusional," warning of severe consequences if Taiwan provokes a conflict. Last year, command-post exercises involving U.S., Taiwanese, and Japanese retired officers simulated Penghu falling wi... 
