Taiwan Begins Major Military Drills Amid Rising Chinese Threat
Starting July 22, Taiwan will conduct its annual Han Kuang and Wan An military exercises to test its combat readiness against potential Chinese invasion. The five-day drills will include air defense alerts and shelter-in-place exercises.
Increased Chinese Military Activity
This year’s drills come as China has increased its military presence near Taiwan. On July 11, Taiwan detected 66 Chinese military aircraft operating around the island within 24 hours, the highest number in a single day in 2024. Additionally, China’s aircraft carrier Shandong was seen near Taiwan on July 10.
Focus of the Drills
The Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan’s largest annual defense drills, have been held since 1984. This year, they will focus on unscripted and real combat scenarios, including protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring wartime supply delivery. The Wan An air raid drills, held since 1978, will involve sirens and shelter-in-place alerts to raise public awareness and test emergency response capabilities.
Importance of the Drills
A military general emphasized the importance of these exercises in maintaining Taiwan’s ability to receive and distribute supplies during a potential Chinese blockade. The drills will include live-fire exercises at major ports to ensure that links to the outside world remain open.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island country in East Asia, near China. It has its own government and operates separately from China.
Han Kuang -: Han Kuang is the name of Taiwan’s annual military exercise. It is designed to test the country’s defense capabilities.
Wan An -: Wan An is another military exercise in Taiwan, focusing on air defense and emergency response.
military drills -: Military drills are practice exercises for soldiers to prepare for real combat situations.
combat readiness -: Combat readiness means being prepared and able to fight in a war or conflict.
Chinese invasion -: A Chinese invasion would mean China attacking and trying to take control of Taiwan.
air defense alerts -: Air defense alerts are warnings given when enemy aircraft are detected, so people can take cover.
shelter-in-place exercises -: Shelter-in-place exercises are practice drills where people stay indoors to stay safe during emergencies.
aircraft sorties -: Aircraft sorties are missions or flights made by military planes.
naval operations -: Naval operations are activities carried out by a country’s navy, like patrolling or fighting at sea.
infrastructure protection -: Infrastructure protection means keeping important buildings and systems, like roads and power plants, safe from attacks.
emergency response capabilities -: Emergency response capabilities are the skills and resources needed to react quickly and effectively in a crisis.