How typhoons and extreme weather could undermine Taiwan Strait combat readiness

The record heat and extreme weather seen across East Asia this summer have prompted warnings that climate change will be an increasing challenge for military planners focused on potential flashpoints such as the Taiwan Strait.

Besides the risks to both troops and equipment, typhoons and other storms could also damage critical infrastructure and disrupt training, as well as divert personnel and resources towards emergency relief.

Although militaries may be able to adapt in peacetime, they may have less flexibility in times of war, where extreme weather could have a direct impact on combat operations.

Armed forces are adapting to the challenge in different ways.

For example, Japan and the United States have formally incorporated climate risk into their assessments of force readiness, bases, equipment and supply chains, while Taiwan has folded climate-related disasters into its mobilisation and resilience planning.

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Typhoon Narra causes flash floods in southern China

The Philippines is expanding facilities under its defence cooperation agreement with the US, some of which are specifically designed to strengthen its disaster response and ability to carry out humanitarian relief operations.