Taiwan began the Han Kuang exercises on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, its largest military drills of the year, with the participation of regular forces, reserve forces and civilians, as part of preparations to deal with a potential attack on the island amid mounting Chinese military pressure.
Military and civilian drills through 14 August
Civilians are taking part in drills on how to respond in the event of air raids, along with simulations of slower internet speeds, as part of preparations involving the armed forces and the population.
Mounting Chinese military pressure
The exercises come as tensions between Taipei and Beijing escalate. China insists that Taiwan is part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to unite the mainland with the island, which has a population of 23 million.
In recent years, Beijing has stepped up its military pressure on Taiwan, deploying fighter jets and warships around the island almost daily, while also conducting large-scale exercises.
