Thousands of active-duty and reserve Taiwanese troops took part in the exercises, which included urban combat scenarios and live-fire training with advanced U.S.-supplied weapons, such as Stinger missiles. The Han Kuang drills are Taiwan’s largest annual defense exercise and serve both military and political purposes—demonstrating readiness while reassuring allies, especially the United States.

President Lai Ching-te, who assumed office earlier this year, has made public awareness of Chinese threats a priority. Observers say the drills also aimed to signal Taiwan’s resolve to defend itself without provoking direct escalation.

Chinese Military Presence Sparks Regional Tensions

Taipei’s exercises came as China continued to ramp up its military maneuvers around the island, which Beijing considers a breakaway province. The Chinese military has increased the deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels around Taiwan, intensifying pressure to compel political unification.

Taiwanese authorities have repeatedly warned that Beijing poses the greatest threat to regional stability. While China’s Ministry of Defense did not comment on the expelled ships, the incident underscores the potential for routine military drills to trigger real confrontations in contested waters.