Taiwan has concluded the 42nd Han Kuang military exercise, a 10-day programme designed to test the island’s readiness for a range of potential People’s Liberation Army (PLA) contingencies. Running from 5–14 August 2026, the drills combined military operations with civil defence and resilience exercises.
This year’s exercise placed greater emphasis on realistic, unscripted scenarios, including responses to a maritime blockade, communications disruption and continuity of government. It also incorporated urban resilience measures involving emergency services and civilian infrastructure.
Key developments
- President William Lai Ching-te participated in government continuity and emergency evacuation drills.
- Taiwan briefly slowed mobile internet speeds to simulate wartime communications disruption and test public resilience.
- The military introduced newer capabilities, including M1A2T Abrams tanks, expanded reserve mobilisation, drone operations and revised command procedures influenced by US military practices.
- Civil defence exercises included evacuation planning, underground medical facilities and logistics support alongside military operations.
The exercise took place as China continues military flights, naval operations and coastguard patrols around Taiwan. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, criticised the drills, while Taipei described them as necessary defensive preparations. Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state but oppose attempts to change the status quo by force.
Looking ahead, sustained PLA activity, continued US support for Taiwan’s self-defence, and wider Indo-Pacific security cooperation are likely to keep the Taiwan Strait a central geopolitical flashpoint. While all sides continue to state a preference for stability, the region is expected to remain closely watched as military preparedness and strategic competition continue to evolve
ℹ️ SCMP
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