Taiwan isn’t taking any chances. With the increasing tensions across the Taiwan Strait, the island has officially kicked off its biggest and longest-running military exercise — the Han Kuang drills. Running for about 10 days this year, the drills are longer and more intense than ever before, sending a strong message that Taiwan is serious about strengthening its defenses.
These exercises aren’t just for the troops. They’re designed to get everyone — from soldiers to civilians — ready for the possibility of an invasion. While the idea might sound alarming, it’s all about preparation. At the same time, these drills also serve as a very public way to show Beijing that Taiwan isn’t backing down.
What Exactly Is Han Kuang?
Let’s break it down. Han Kuang has been around since 1984. Every year, Taiwan’s military gathers thousands of troops to rehearse a wide range of defensive strategies. We’re talking large-scale exercises that stretch across land, air, and sea. Think of it as a full military dress rehearsal.
Originally, the drill’s name referenced the old Republic of China’s ambition of reclaiming mainland China. But today, the focus has completely shifted. Now, Han Kuang is all about defending Taiwan itself — making sure the island is ready if the worst ever happens.
In recent years, with tensions rising and the threat from Beijing growing more real, the exercise has evolved. It’s no longer just a military formality — it’s become a critical part of Taiwan’s overall security strategy.
What Goes Down During These Drills?
So, what actually happens during the Han Kuang exercises? This year, things kicked off with high-tech, computer-simulated training in April. That was the warm-up. Now, we’re into the real deal: live-fire drills happening from July 9 to 18.
This includes the deployment of advanced hardware like rocket launchers, unmanned drones, and Taiwan’s own locally produced missiles. One highlight is the new Himars rocket system — a mobile launcher that the US also supplied to Ukraine. It’s a powerful addition and shows just how closely Taiwan is aligning with American defense strategies.
Here’s something new and interesting: about 22,000 reservist troops are joining in this year. That’s 50% more than the previous year, a clear sign that Taiwan is boosting its military readiness.
Also, this year’s drills are going off-script. That means no rehearsed sequences or predictable responses. Troops won’t know what to expect. They’ll have to react to surprise scenarios — simulating what a real attack might feel like. This approach is getting praised for finally making the exercises feel realistic, not just like a show for the cameras.
Combating Modern Threats: Not Just Tanks and Missiles
It’s not all about firepower. The drills now include training to deal with “greyzone warfare”, a modern form of conflict that doesn’t involve direct combat but still wears down the enemy. China has been doing this by flying military aircraft near Taiwan’s airspace and sending ships into its surrounding waters.
To respond, this year’s Han Kuang will test how Taiwan handles these provocations. It’s a critical update — warfare today isn’t just about bullets; it’s about constant pressure.
Another major focus is civil defense. While soldiers train in the field, civilians are taking part in “urban resilience” drills across the island. These last around 30 minutes and simulate the chaos of an air raid. Sirens go off, phone alerts buzz, and roads are shut down. Even shops and train stations temporarily halt services.
The goal? To make sure the entire society knows how to react quickly and efficiently during an emergency. It’s a drill, yes, but it’s also about helping people stay calm and act fast if real danger ever arrives.
Reports suggest the authorities are also testing the island’s ability to counter misinformation — especially fake news and propaganda from China. That kind of psychological warfare can be just as dangerous as physical attacks, and Taiwan wants to make sure it’s prepared on all fronts.
Why Han Kuang Matters More Than Ever This Year
You might be wondering — why now? Why such a massive scale-up?
The answer lies in China’s increasingly aggressive behavior. There’s been a noticeable rise in military intimidation and disinformation campaigns aimed at Taiwan. These are meant to wear the island down slowly and constantly, without ever firing a single shot.
At the same time, the US has raised alarms, calling China an “imminent threat.” While no official attack date has ever been confirmed, American intelligence believes China is preparing for the option of military force by 2027.
Back home, Taiwan’s new president, William Lai, has taken a stronger stance against Beijing. He’s pushed for a tougher military posture and continued to strengthen the island’s self-defense systems. Naturally, this hasn’t sat well with China.
China’s military has already criticized this year’s Han Kuang exercise, calling it a “bluff” and accusing Taiwan’s leaders of dragging people into a so-called “independence war chariot.” But Taiwan clearly isn’t interested in backing down.
Rebuilding Confidence in Taiwan’s Military Strength
Let’s be honest — not everyone in Taiwan has always had faith in their military. Some surveys in recent years showed that public confidence hovered below 50%. That’s not great when you’re dealing with a looming threat next door.
That’s part of the reason Taiwan is putting more effort into revamping its military. Besides Han Kuang, Taiwan has increased the length of mandatory military service, invested in homegrown submarines and missiles, and ramped up training in urban and guerrilla-style warfare.
They’re also embracing what’s known as the “porcupine strategy” — the idea that if Taiwan can make itself too difficult to attack or control, it becomes less appealing as a target.
This includes building smaller, mobile weapon systems like drones and missile trucks that can move quickly and avoid being wiped out in a first strike. It’s all about flexibility and survival — not just firepower.
There’s also been a noticeable push from the US for Taiwan to modernize its military and spend more on defense. But at the same time, there’s growing concern in Taiwan about how reliable US support would be if an actual conflict broke out — especially under a Trump administration, where the commitment to defend Taiwan has often been vague or ambiguous.
What This Means for Taiwan Going Forward
This year’s Han Kuang isn’t just a routine drill — it’s a reflection of Taiwan’s growing determination to stand its ground. As threats evolve, Taiwan is changing too, making sure it’s ready not just for traditional battles, but for modern challenges like misinformation, surprise attacks, and political pressure.
From everyday citizens participating in air raid rehearsals to military reservists testing their limits in unpredictable situations, the entire nation is involved. It’s no longer just about military might — it’s about resilience, readiness, and refusing to be caught off guard.
Whether or not tensions ever boil over into conflict, Taiwan’s message is clear: it’s not waiting to see what happens. It’s preparing, adapting, and standing firm — and that’s something the whole world is watching closely.
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