Taiwan today launched the largest-ever version of the Han Kuang exercises, the annual war games meant to test Taiwan’s readiness to repel a Chinese invasion. The 41st edition will initially focus on testing how Taiwan’s military can decentralise command in the event of a crippling communications attack.
Over the next 10 days, the live-fire drills will expand to assess Taiwan's combat readiness against a full-scale attempt to seize the island.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said the war games exercise, including combating “grey zone tactics”, will draw in the army, navy and air force, backed by a record 22,000 reservists.
For context - cyber attacks and misinformation campaigns are seen by Taiwan as high-intensity "grey zone" actions that are likely to precede a broader Chinese assault.
The ministry also declared that the exercises would involve the use of new High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, made by Lockheed Martin. Notably, Taiwan-developed Sky Sword surface-to-air missiles will be used for the first time.
What has China said?
The drills are being held amid reports of escalating harassment from China and comes just a day after a Chinese military spokesperson’s promise of Beijing’s reunification with Taiwan.
Also read: Can Taiwan Survive a China Invasion? | World In 3 Questions
Jiang Bin, Spokesperson For China's Ministry Of National Defense dismissed the drills declaring that irrespective of what Taiwan does or uses, “the PLA's resolute countermeasures against 'Taiwan Independence' would not be deterred”. Further adding that these drills cannot stop the “irresistible trend of China's national reunification”.
