Jake Sanders
Taiwan has commenced its most extensive military drills to date, aimed at countering Chinese threats and “gray zone” tactics that fall short of full-scale warfare. The 10-day Han Kuang exercises, the longest on record, began yesterday and will run continuously under realistic combat conditions, the Ministry of National Defense announced.
The drills come amid heightened concerns over Chinese aggression, including harassment by Chinese Coast Guard vessels and maritime militia near outlying Taiwanese islands. The exercises include live-fire scenarios testing Taiwan’s defenses against potential incursions and focus on bolstering port defenses and identifying Chinese landing sites.
This year’s exercises feature new weaponry, such as tanks and uncrewed waterborne drones, as part of Taiwan’s effort to enhance its military capabilities. The drills also emphasize resilience against cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns — tactics often used by China to destabilize Taiwan in the lead-up to possible broader military action.
A key focus will be on decentralizing command structures for better response amid potential communication breakdowns. Over the course of the drills, Taiwan’s forces will practice anti-landing operations involving all military branches and 22,000 reservists. The live simulations aim to evaluate Taiwan’s preparedness for a full-scale invasion, inspired by recent conflicts like Ukraine.
“The ongoing exercises reflect our determination to prepare for various scenarios, including full-scale conflict,” a senior defense official stated. “We are learning from recent global conflicts to better defend our nation.” The drills underscore Taiwan’s resolve to strengthen its defense capabilities amid escalating regional tensions.
