Taiwan begins annual Han Kuang military exercises to simulate response to potential Chinese invasion.
Taiwan has launched its annual 10-day Han Kuang military exercises to test the island's defense against a potential Chinese invasion. The live-fire drills will evaluate the army's ability to maintain 24-hour defense operations and counter China's 'gray-zone' tactics. Key features of this year's exercises include the mobilization of over 5,000 reservists, the largest team ever assembled for the drills, and the testing of new U.S.-inspired communication methods known as 'backbriefs.' The exercises will also include urban resilience drills in major cities to simulate telecommunications interference, specifically reducing mobile internet speeds for 30 minutes. Additionally, the defense ministry stated that the drills will test the wartime relocation of weapons production lines to safer locations. Taiwan relies heavily on U.S. arms, and while President Trump and Congress approved a record-breaking $11 billion package, the administration announced that arms sales to Taiwan serve as a 'good negotiating chip' with Beijing. Taiwan is currently awaiting a $14 billion arms sale package from the United States.