Taiwan to hold extensive military drills simulating a Chinese invasion amid rising tensions with Beijing

The annual Han Kuang military exercises will begin on July 9 and last for 10 days, involving more than 22,000 reservists. President Lai Ching-te emphasized the challenges facing Taiwan, including Chinese infiltration and disinformation attacks. Exercise scenarios include combined attacks and civil defense drills such as missile alerts and evacuations in major cities. In parallel, Lai launched a series of speeches on uniting the country ahead of his recall vote in parliament amid tensions with Beijing.