Taiwan commenced its most extensive annual military exercises in early July, involving a record number of reservists and newly acquired U.S. weaponry. The Han Kuang drills are designed to test the island’s combat readiness and defense capabilities against a potential full-scale invasion by China.
The 10-day exercises began with simulated attacks on Taiwan’s command systems and critical infrastructure, a scenario officials believe would precede a physical assault. In the 24 hours leading up to the drills, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported detecting 31 Chinese aircraft and seven naval ships near the island, with 24 of the aircraft crossing the unofficial median line in the Taiwan Strait.
A Focus on Modern Warfare and Resilience
A key focus of this year’s war games is decentralizing military command, a lesson learned from observing the conflict in Ukraine. A senior Taiwanese defense official, speaking anonymously, stated that the exercises are based on realistic thinking about the challenges Taiwan might face in actual combat, emphasizing the need to protect command and communication systems. The drills aim to ensure that commanders at all levels can operate effectively even if communication with higher-ups is severed.
In addition to regular troops, the exercises have mobilized 22,000 reservists, the largest number in the history of the drills. These reservists began their training on Saturday, re-familiarizing themselves with equipment like rifles and machine guns and practicing tactical maneuvers. In the city of Taoyuan, approximately 300 reserve troops were seen receiving instruction in a junior high school that had been emptied for the summer season.
China’s Response and International Scrutiny
China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its territory, has intensified its military pressure on the island over the past five years. Beijing has never ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. In response to the drills, China’s defense ministry dismissed them as “nothing but a bluff,” with a spokesperson stating that Taiwan cannot resist the “People’s Liberation Army’s sharp sword against independence.”
The Chinese foreign ministry also reiterated its firm opposition to military ties between the United States and Taiwan. Concurrently, China’s Ministry of Commerce added eight Taiwanese firms, including the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), to an export control list, banning the export of dual-use products to them.
Taiwanese officials, however, are determined to demonstrate their commitment to self-defense to the international community. Defense Minister Wellington Koo stated the drills are intended to show that Taiwan’s military has the confidence and ability to defend its freedom and democracy. The exercises, which have been extended from five days to ten this year, are being closely watched by regional military analysts to gauge improvements in Taiwan’s resilience and to monitor China’s reaction. The drills also include civil defense components, such as setting up emergency supply stations and utilizing expanded air-raid shelters.
