Taiwan has launched its largest and longest Han Kuang military exercise to date, a ten-day operation aimed at preparing both its military and civilians for the threat of a possible Chinese invasion. With geopolitical tensions rising in the region, this year’s drill marks a significant shift in Taiwan’s defence posture.

What is the Han Kuang Exercise?

First held in 1984, Han Kuang is Taiwan’s premier annual military drill. While its name originally referred to ambitions to retake mainland China, the modern focus is firmly defensive—rehearsing how to respond to various threats, especially from Beijing.

Thousands of troops participate in simulated air, land, and sea operations. Over time, the exercise has evolved to include not just military responses but also civil defence, reflecting the growing concern over China’s aggressive tactics.

What Happens During the Exercise?

This year’s Han Kuang exercise runs from 9 to 18 July and includes a range of military scenarios. Key features include:

• Live-fire drills with rocket launchers, drones, and Taiwan’s own missile systems.
• Deployment of the Himars mobile rocket system, recently supplied by the U.S., with long-range capabilities already seen in Ukraine.
• 22,000 reservist troops involved—a 50% increase from last year.
• Unscripted scenarios to simulate sudden attacks, enhancing real-time decision-making.
• Training focused on countering greyzone tactics, including repeated Chinese aircraft and ship intrusions.

In addition to battlefield preparedness, the exercise integrates civilian emergency drills such as evacuation procedures and air raid simulations across cities. During these events, traffic is halted, mobile alerts are sent, and daily life temporarily pauses.

Authorities will also test Taiwan’s ability to respond to disinformation and foreign propaganda, particularly from China’s United Front influence operations—although specifics of how this will be done remain unclear.

Why the Urgency?

China continues to ramp up pressure on Taiwan through greyzone warfare—non-combat actions like cyberattacks, propaganda, and near-daily military provocations. These are designed to exhaust Taiwan’s resources without triggering outright conflict.

The U.S. has warned of an “imminent threat”, referencing reports that Chinese President Xi Jinping has set 2027 as a deadline for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to be prepared for a Taiwan invasion. Though unconfirmed by Beijing, U.S. intelligence believes China is preparing for the possibility of using force.

Under Taiwan’s recently elected President William Lai, who is seen by Beijing as a “separatist,” Taipei has taken a firmer stance by strengthening its military and civil defence. This includes extending mandatory military service and enhancing asymmetric warfare capabilities—part of its “porcupine strategy” to make the island a difficult target to invade and control.

China’s Reaction

Unsurprisingly, Beijing has strongly condemned the Han Kuang exercise. A Chinese defence ministry spokesperson labeled the drills as a “bluff” orchestrated by Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to “hijack” the public and promote independence.

“No matter what weapons they test, the PLA’s response to any move toward Taiwan independence will be unwavering,” said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin.

Why This Year’s Drill Matters

Han Kuang 2024 reflects Taiwan’s shift from symbolic exercises to realistic readiness. Analysts say past drills were overly choreographed and focused on public relations. Now, amid heightened threats and shifting international dynamics, Taiwan is investing in real defensive strength.

Public confidence in the island’s defence has been mixed. A recent poll showed only 47.5% of Taiwanese citizens trust their military’s ability to protect them. Meanwhile, doubt is also growing over how far the U.S. under Donald Trump would go to defend Taiwan. Trump has avoided directly stating whether he would intervene in a Chinese invasion.

In response, Taiwan is becoming more self-reliant—developing homegrown missiles, submarines, and drones, training for urban warfare, and integrating the public into national security strategies.

Conclusion

This year’s Han Kuang exercise is more than a military drill—it’s a strategic message. To Taiwan, it’s about preparing the nation for a very real threat. To China, it’s a show of defiance. And to the world, it signals that the Taiwan Strait remains one of the globe’s most dangerous flashpoints.