Taiwan Holds Annual Military Exercises Amid Rising China Tensions
Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang war games commenced on Monday, July 22, with the deployment of naval vessels and simulated take-off and landing exercises. This year, the drills are designed to closely mimic actual combat conditions, emphasizing unscripted scenarios and the defense against a potential Chinese attack.
China, which considers Taiwan its territory, has intensified pressure on Taipei for four years, demanding recognition of its sovereignty claims. Taiwan firmly rejects these claims.
This year’s exercises eliminate ceremonial elements, such as scripted firepower displays, in favor of intensified nighttime operations and drills simulating communication disruptions. The five-day war games coincide with the Wan’an civil defense drills, which involve evacuations in major cities and mobile phone alerts, testing the public’s preparedness.
China has maintained its stance that it will not rule out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. Taiwan, asserting the Taiwanese people’s right to self-determination, has repeatedly proposed dialogue, but these offers have been rejected by Beijing.