By Ben Blanchard and Yi-Chin LeeTAIPEI, 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.

‘Blockade by fire’ could cut off supplies to the island while minimising disruption to others

Beijing deploys warships, fighter jets and coast guard vessels around Taiwan on an almost daily basis to assert its claim of sovereignty.