Taipei: Taiwan’s upcoming Han Kuang exercises are set to depart from traditional pageantry, instead embracing a realistic simulation of combat amid escalating tensions with China. A senior Taiwanese defense official emphasized that these maneuvers are vital as Taiwan faces heightened military pressure from Beijing, which regards the island as a renegade province.
“In recent years, the enemy threat has changed rapidly,” the official disclosed anonymously. “Our defence combat plan must also be continuously revised on a rolling basis, and the urgency of comprehensive combat training is becoming more and more important.”
In a departure from previous years, superficial aspects of the exercises, such as rehearsal drills, have been sidelined. This year’s agenda will feature night operations, with even Taipei, the capital, participating—a significant departure aimed at heightening realism and readiness among troops.
“It’s not about scoring points,” the official stressed. “We want the soldiers to wonder whether this is for real.”
Acknowledging potential challenges like equipment failures during the drills, the official underscored their relevance: “These are problems that may be faced in actual combat.”
The exercises, scheduled for five days starting July 22, will operate around-the-clock to simulate the unpredictable nature of warfare. This shift reflects Taiwan’s strategic imperative to bolster its defenses against China’s assertive military posturing.
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China, meanwhile, has conducted numerous military exercises near Taiwan, asserting its claims of sovereignty despite Taiwan’s protests. Beijing has also engaged in gray zone tactics, including frequent airspace intrusions and symbolic military maneuvers, aimed at testing Taiwan’s resolve without engaging in direct conflict.
Taiwan’s defense ministry, in announcing the exercises, highlighted objectives such as breaking through maritime blockades and countering simulated attacks. These scenarios are designed to assess Taiwan’s defensive capabilities under realistic conditions.
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President Lai Ching-te, recently inaugurated, faces a challenging geopolitical landscape with Beijing’s continuous military flexing. Despite Taiwan’s offers for dialogue, China has maintained its stance on reunification, underscoring its readiness to use force if necessary.
As preparations intensify for the Han Kuang exercises, details about President Lai’s involvement remain undisclosed, typical for Taiwan’s commander-in-chief during military exercises. The role of international observers, including potential U.S. participation, has also not been confirmed.
