Taiwan Launches Massive Military Drills Amid Growing China Tensions

Taiwan will simulate a Chinese invasion and blockade during its annual Han Kuang military and civil defense drills, set to begin on July 9. This year’s exercises will span 10 days, the longest on record, and involve over 22,000 reservists in response to rising military threats from Beijing. China claims Taiwan as its own, but the democratic island continues to reject Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

President Lai Ching-te, addressing soldiers ahead of the drills, emphasized Taiwan’s ongoing defense preparations against a “war without gun smoke,” referring to China’s cyberattacks, infiltration efforts, and disinformation campaigns. Lai praised the resilience and unity of Taiwan’s people, highlighting their commitment to freedom and democracy.

The drills will include joint military scenarios such as precision naval and air strikes to build a “chain of strikes” against potential Chinese landing operations, according to defense official Tung Chih-hsing. He added that Taiwan’s military is prepared to elevate combat readiness if China initiates its own drills in response.

Simultaneously, nationwide civil defense exercises will feature missile alerts and evacuation drills, leading to temporary business closures and traffic disruptions in major cities like Taipei. The dual drills showcase Taiwan’s resolve to bolster both its military readiness and civilian preparedness in the face of potential conflict.

Beijing has yet to comment on the planned exercises, though it recently rebuked remarks made by President Lai in ongoing tensions over historical narratives and sovereignty claims. The drills come amid heightened political activity in Taiwan, as the island approaches a critical July 26 recall vote targeting lawmakers from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), whom some civil groups accuse of being overly aligned with China—an allegation strongly denied by the party.