Taiwan conducts military drills amid rising Chinese threats

On July 9, 2025, Taiwan initiated its annual military exercises to defend against increasing threats from China. These 10-day live-fire drills, known as the Han Guang exercises, are the longest to date and aim to bolster Taiwan's defenses against possible invasion tactics employed by the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The drills include a variety of new weaponry acquired from recent military support, ranging from tanks to unmanned drones. The exercises are particularly focused on responding to the aggressive actions of China's Coast Guard and maritime militia, which have been harassing Taiwanese ships in contested waters. As tensions escalate, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry is emphasizing the importance of enhancing readiness against potential attacks disguised as minor provocations. The drills also aim to fortify key maritime points on islands close to China, with exercises involving both active military personnel and a significant reserve force. In response, China has criticized these military drills as a bluff, claiming they are an attempt by Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to rally local support for independence. Tensions are further exacerbated by China's ongoing military activities near Taiwan, including sorties by PLA aircraft and naval vessels to assert dominance in the region. Taiwan's military has been actively monitoring these maneuvers, emphasizing its commitment to national security. The backdrop of these exercises includes a historical context in which Taiwan has increasingly sought to assert its de facto independence. The majority of Taiwanese citizens favor maintaining their current status or achieving full independence from China, against the context of Chinese aggression. With the drills designed to counter the comprehensive range of threats posed by Chinese operations, Taiwan remains vigilant and is calling for support and understanding from its populace regarding potential disruptions during the exercises.