Taiwan annual war games underway amid tensions with China

August 10, 2026 - 10:08

Taiwan kicked off its yearly Han Kuang exercises on Monday, a series of large-scale war games that come at a time when Beijing has repeatedly stepped up its military pressure around the island. The drills, which are set to run for several days, involve live-fire training, coastal defense maneuvers, and simulated air and naval combat scenarios. This year, the focus is heavily on urban warfare and civilian preparedness, with authorities staging air raid drills in the southern port city of Kaohsiung, where residents were told to practice sheltering in place and follow evacuation routes.

The exercises are part of Taiwan's broader effort to boost its self-defense capabilities, even as China continues to assert its claims over the island. Beijing has not hidden its displeasure, with the Chinese military conducting its own patrols and exercises near the Taiwan Strait in recent weeks. Analysts say the timing of the drills is significant, as they send a signal that Taiwan is ready to respond to any potential provocation, while also reassuring allies in the region that the island remains vigilant.

Local officials have emphasized that the war games are routine and defensive in nature, but the atmosphere is undeniably tense. Many residents in Kaohsiung said they understand the need for the drills, though some expressed concern about the possibility of a real conflict. The exercises are expected to wrap up later this week, but the underlying standoff between Taipei and Beijing shows no signs of easing.