Taiwan starts its annual “Han Kuang” military exercises as China continues to increase political and military pressure on the island. Multiple outlets report that the drills, widely described as Taiwan’s largest military exercise of the year, begin on Wednesday and run from August 5 to August 14.
According to defence officials cited in the reports, the exercise simulates combat scenarios for both active forces and reservists, aimed at preparing for the possibility of an invasion. The drills also include activities involving civilians. One report says civilians participate in preparedness measures that feature air raid drills and a temporary slowdown of mobile internet speeds during parts of the exercise.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly threatened the island. In recent years, China’s actions and rhetoric toward Taiwan have intensified, a backdrop the outlets link to Taiwan’s decision to conduct large-scale readiness training. The reports collectively present the drills as a defensive preparation measure rather than a specific response to an immediate incident.
