Taiwan is in the middle of 10 days of intense military drills in preparation for possible
attacks from the Chinese mainland. At the same time, the Trump administration is considering
a $14 billion arms sale to the island. Fox News foreign correspondent Jeff Paul joins us from
Taipei. Hello, Jeff. Hey, Shannon. Well, yeah, the annual war games are well underway here in Taiwan,
testing this island's readiness for a potential attack by Chinese forces. And this year,
the drills are far more realistic and much more intense. It's a scenario rooted in reality.
Taiwan is attacked by neighboring China, and its forces must protect the Asian Pacific Island
of 23 million people. We step up our training activities, conducting repeated drills through
unplanned, irregular and no-noticed scenarios. The annual drills are meant to examine Taiwan's
readiness amid growing Chinese pressure. You're seeing more and more Chinese warship,
Chinese warplanes, moving around Taiwan. China-Taiwan analyst Sung Wen-Ti says this year
is less about performative displays of firepower and more about improving combat capabilities.
You are seeing a new degree of seriousness in Taiwan defense preparation you haven't seen
in quite a while. Civil preparedness is tested, too, like here in the city of Kaohsiung.
And just like that, one of the largest cities here in Taiwan coming to a standstill. You can hear
the warning sirens going off, basically telling people to get inside and take shelter. It is a drill
meant to prepare everyone here on this island for the possibility of an incoming air attack.
Taiwan knows its defense can't solely rely on its soldiers. Everyone has a role to play.
It feels like a little bit scared. But after that, we know it's like very secure.
However, the U.S. is currently stalling on a massive $14 billion arms package to Taiwan.
After a visit to China in May, President Trump called the defense deal a, quote,
very good negotiating chip with Beijing. Sung says it's not just about Taiwan.
Taiwan is a democracy standing on the front line of China's rivalry with the democratic world.
Now, later this week, for the first time ever, Taiwan will intentionally throttle internet
services for several portions of this island. The idea is to test how people communicate in the
event of a major attack. Shannon.
All right, Jeff Paul in Taipei for us. Thank you, Jeff.
Thanks for the next one.