Why Did Han Kuang Exercise First Land on Orchid Island? Kuo Cheng-liang Reveals Dire Consequences of PLA Occupation: Chiahshan Base's Stored Combat Power Will Collapse

On the 7th, during the Han Kuang Exercise's 'island defense operation' drill, ROC Armed Forces' Second Theater of Operations troops deployed to Orchid Island and Green Island, simulating emergency reinforcements in response to escalating enemy threats. In this drill, mechanized infantry squads were tasked with protecting critical facilities such as airports, while drone units conducted aerial reconnaissance, providing real-time intelligence to mortar units to complete firing preparations.

Regarding this, former legislator Kuo Cheng-liang, appearing on the program 'Da Da Ping Ping Li,' analyzed that the PLA might turn Orchid Island into a military base and a staging point for landing on Taiwan's east coast. Kuo noted that China conducted military drills last December in the southeast corner of Eluanbi, involving four warships, including a Type 075 amphibious assault ship with a displacement of nearly 40,000 tons.

Kuo questioned, 'If the Type 075 amphibious assault ship can attack Eluanbi, why can't it attack Orchid Island or Green Island?' He explained that this year's Han Kuang Exercise was held on Orchid Island for the first time due to its military significance: the PLA could easily occupy the island, while Taiwan's M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) cannot reach it. If Orchid Island is captured, the PLA could establish a forward base equipped with long-range rocket artillery, drones, and helicopters, placing all of Taiwan within range of long-range rocket fire.

Kuo emphasized that while Taiwan's defenses in Penghu are robust, Orchid Island's defenses are virtually 'zero.' If the PLA occupies Orchid Island, the combat power stored at Taiwan's Chiahshan Base will completely collapse. Currently, one-third of Taiwan's military aircraft are stationed at this base, but if the PLA can land on the east coast, eastern Taiwan will no longer be a safe haven during wartime.

Kuo further stated that the PLA already views Orchid Island as a staging point for invasion. Once captured, the PLA would gain the capability to launch drone swarms of up to 10,000 units against Taiwan.