Breaking News: China Simulates Attack on Taiwan Gas Terminal with PHL-191 Rocket Launchers During Massive Drill.

According to a video published by Chinese state media on April 1, 2025, the People's Liberation Army (PLA - Chinese Army) Eastern Theater Command launched the "Strait Thunder-2025A" military exercise with a live-fire display showcasing its advanced long-range strike capabilities. The footage featured two PHL-191 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) firing 16 precision-guided rockets that successfully hit eight simulated targets. 
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Chinese PLA PHL-191 Multiple Launch Rocket System fires precision-guided rockets during a live-fire drill simulating an attack on a mock target resembling Taiwan's Yong'an LNG Terminal, as part of the 'Strait Thunder-2025A' military exercise. (Picture source: Chinese media via X account Aadil Brar)

One of the targets was modeled after the Yong'an LNG terminal in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan—a key energy infrastructure facility—signaling a possible PLA intent to disable critical assets in the early stages of a potential invasion. This simulated strike has intensified fears that China is rehearsing real-world scenarios for a future military campaign against Taiwan.

The PHL-191, also known as the PCL-191, is a state-of-the-art, modular, wheeled multiple launch rocket system developed by China. It is capable of deploying a diverse array of munitions with extended operational reach. The system’s modular architecture allows it to be outfitted with either ten 300mm rockets, with ranges spanning 70 to 150 kilometers, or eight 370mm “Fire Dragon 280” guided rockets capable of striking targets up to 280 kilometers away. Additionally, the PHL-191 can launch tactical ballistic missiles with a diameter of 750mm, extending its maximum strike range to approximately 500 kilometers. This range is sufficient to target most of Taiwan's territory from the mainland or from forward-deployed units in coastal regions. Mounted on a high-mobility 8×8 wheeled chassis, the PHL-191 combines precision, firepower, and mobility, rendering it a formidable asset in any rapid-strike operation aimed at Taiwan.

China’s military exercises around Taiwan have markedly intensified in recent years, evolving from sporadic provocations into sustained and increasingly sophisticated drills. The “Strait Thunder-2025A” is among the most coordinated and complex exercises to date, involving integrated operations across China’s navy, air force, ground forces, and rocket units. The inclusion of the aircraft carrier Shandong, which conducted simulated strike missions from positions east of Taiwan, suggests a sharpening of Beijing’s capabilities to execute full-spectrum warfare in the region. Furthermore, Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported the incursion of 76 Chinese military aircraft and over 20 naval vessels into its air defense identification zone (ADIZ) during the ongoing exercise. These maneuvers are designed not only to test PLA readiness but also to serve as a strategic message to Taipei and its international partners, particularly the United States, regarding Beijing’s willingness to employ military power to enforce its sovereignty claims over Taiwan.

In response to the escalating threat, the United States has reiterated its unwavering commitment to Taiwan’s defense under the Taiwan Relations Act. While Washington maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity, it has clearly signaled that any attempt by China to alter the status quo by force would be met with serious consequences. Over the past year, the U.S. has significantly increased its military support to Taiwan, expediting arms deliveries and expanding bilateral defense cooperation. Recent military aid packages have included precision munitions, mobile air defense systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and coastal defense missile systems designed to enhance Taiwan's asymmetric defense posture.

Notably, Taiwan has received an initial batch of 38 M1A2T Abrams tanks, a variant of the M1 Abrams, delivered to the Port of Taipei in December 2024. These tanks have been transported to an army armor training center in Hsinchu County for integration into Taiwan's defense forces. The M1A2T Abrams tanks are expected to significantly bolster Taiwan's ground combat capabilities, particularly in countering amphibious landing operations by the PLA. Additionally, Taiwan has taken delivery of 11 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), with 18 more systems scheduled for delivery before the end of 2026. These HIMARS units have been assigned to the 58th Artillery Command in Taichung, strategically positioned to enhance Taiwan's long-range precision strike capabilities. The HIMARS system, known for its mobility and precision, provides Taiwan with a credible deterrent against potential PLA amphibious assaults and other offensive operations.

The delivery of these advanced weapon systems is part of a broader U.S. strategy to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capabilities in light of increasing Chinese military assertiveness. Despite delays attributed to global supply chain challenges and heightened demand due to other international conflicts, efforts have been made to expedite these deliveries. The U.S. Department of Defense is actively working with defense contractors to prioritize Taiwan's defense needs and reduce the backlog of arms deliveries.

The potential for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan has been a focal point of U.S. intelligence assessments. In a recent report, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence highlighted China's growing military capabilities and its intent to escalate coercive actions against Taiwan. The report underscores the increasing cooperation among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, posing significant challenges to U.S. global interests. While some U.S. officials express skepticism about an imminent invasion, the consensus acknowledges the need for vigilance and preparedness. CIA Director William Burns noted that although President Xi Jinping has instructed the PLA to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027, this does not necessarily indicate a definitive decision to do so.

As tensions continue to escalate, the risk of miscalculation or unintended escalation remains high. Beijing's increasing military assertiveness, coupled with Taiwan’s rapid efforts to strengthen its defenses and deepen security ties with the United States, reflects a growing divergence that could potentially ignite a broader regional conflict. The international community watches closely as the strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific shifts—driven by China's ambition to bring Taiwan under its control and the U.S.'s determination to uphold regional stability and support democratic partners.

While the PLA's precision strike drills and the targeting of critical infrastructure like the Yong’an LNG terminal serve as stark reminders of China's expanding military reach, the bolstered delivery of advanced U.S. systems—such as the M1A2T Abrams tanks and HIMARS rocket launchers—sends an equally clear message that Taiwan is not standing alone. U.S. intelligence continues to warn of the possibility of an invasion within this decade, underlining the urgency for Taiwan to accelerate its force modernization and deterrence capabilities.

The coming months will be pivotal. The continued buildup of PLA forces around Taiwan, combined with the deepening of U.S.-Taiwan defense cooperation, may deter conflict—or just as easily, push the region closer to confrontation. What remains certain is that Taiwan has become the centerpiece of one of the world’s most consequential geopolitical flashpoints, and the developments from both sides will shape the future security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region.