Taiwan is currently hosting its 40th annual Han Kuang war games, the largest ever held, in response to escalating tensions with China. The drills aim to assess Taiwan’s readiness to withstand a potential invasion from the People’s Liberation Army. This year’s exercises will focus on real-life combat scenarios and abandon more theatrical elements. Alongside the war games, Taiwan is also conducting the Wanan air raid drill to test civilian preparedness. This year’s Han Kuang exercises will feature unscripted scenarios and will not include live-fire drills on the main island, embracing a more realistic approach to combat. The change in tactics is a response to increased Chinese military activity in Taiwan’s air defense identification zone. Beijing has increased military provocations in response to Taiwan’s pro-independence President, William Lai Ching-te, winning the January election. China’s hostility has been further demonstrated by simulating a full-scale attack on Taiwan in recent drills. Despite facing Typhoon Gaemi, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry is adjusting some elements of the war games, while most drills will proceed as planned. This year’s Han Kuang exercises represent a shift towards more practical combat readiness amid escalating tensions with China.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com