Taiwan holds naval drill during war games as China steps up maritime pressure

By Ben Blanchard and Yi-Chin Lee TAIPEI, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Taiwan's armed forces carried out an anti-blockade drill during annual war games, using the navy and coast guard to simulate escorting a merchant ship, the defence ministry said on Thursday, as China steps up its maritime pressure. Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, has long been concerned that Beijing could try to choke off the island with a blockade or quarantine to force it into surrender.