TAIPEI — Taiwan began its largest military drills of the year Wednesday, a comprehensive exercise known as Han Kuang designed to prepare the island democracy for a potential invasion from mainland China.
The drills, which run for several days, involve all branches of Taiwan's armed forces and test a range of defensive scenarios. They reflect Taipei's commitment to a whole-of-society defense strategy, integrating civilian and military responses.
Live-fire exercises were part of the initial phase, with personnel conducting operations on Zhongfu Beach to test the coordination of ground and naval forces in simulated combat conditions.
Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province that must be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. China has increased its military presence and exercises in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas in recent years, drawing concern from governments across the region.
Taiwan's government says only its 23 million people can decide their future. Taipei has called for peaceful dialogue and de-escalation across the strait.
The Taiwan Strait is a critical international shipping lane, and Taiwan is a major producer of advanced semiconductors vital to the global technology supply chain.
