Taiwan launches major military drills amid rising China pressure

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Taipei: Taiwan's annual Han Kuang military exercises, the island's biggest and longest war games, began on Wednesday as tensions with China remained high. The 10 days drills are designed to put Taiwan's ability to defend itself against a potential Chinese invasion to the test, with realistic battle scenarios and enhanced cooperation between military and civilian organisations.

More than 20,000 troops, including over 5,000 reservists, will be taking part in the drills. The drills cover live-fire operations, naval and air defence missions, logistics, cyber defence, and emergency response simulations. Authorities will also assess the durability of essential infrastructure, such as communications and transportation, in the event of a conflict.

The prolonged drills come as China ramps up military and coast guard action around Taiwan, with frequent patrols and exercises near the island. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has regularly condemned the drills and warned against Taipei's ‘separatist’ tactics.

Taiwanese officials say the exercises are solely defensive, designed to strengthen the island's preparation and repel any aggression. The drills are being closely observed throughout the region, as there are rising concerns that tensions in the Taiwan Strait would have an impact on Indo-Pacific security.