Taiwan begins 10-day military drills to counter Chinese threats

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan initiated its annual military drills on Wednesday, aimed at safeguarding against potential Chinese invasion threats, including the use of “gray zone tactics” that fall just short of actual warfare.

This year’s 10-day live-fire Han Guang exercises, the longest to date, come after the acquisition of new military equipment ranging from tanks to unmanned waterborne drones. The drills coincide with escalating regional tensions and provocations from China and its People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

While China asserts sovereignty over Taiwan and threatens forceful annexation, the majority of Taiwanese either seek full independence or wish to maintain their de-facto autonomous status.

The exercises commenced with maneuvers to counter Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels that have been harassing Taiwanese ships near island territories close to mainland China. Fears of a potential invasion disguised as minor provocations have led to preparations to fortify ports and possible Chinese landing points on an island located 160 kilometers off China’s coast.

Subsequent phases of the drills will focus on simulated anti-landing operations, involving regular forces from all branches supported by 22,000 reservists. The exercises will run continuously for 10 days under realistic conditions to address all possible scenarios, aiming to dispel criticisms of past drills being merely symbolic.

The Defense Ministry urged the public to remain patient amidst any disruptions to transportation and disregard any false information circulating about the exercises.

China responded critically to the drills, dismissing them as a ploy by Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to push for independence at the expense of the Taiwanese people. Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Jiang Bing warned that Taiwan’s efforts would not deter the PLA’s resolve for reunification.

In a bid to disrupt the preparations for the drills, the PLA reportedly conducted harassment operations near Taiwan’s airspace and waters under the guise of a “joint combat readiness patrol.” Taiwan’s Defense Ministry responded by closely monitoring the situation and deploying necessary aircraft, vessels, and missile systems.