Taiwan launches largest and longest-ever Han Kuang military drills to boost defense readiness amid escalating tensions with China, simulating both military and civilian emergency responses, including air-raid evacuations and supermarket shelter protocols.

Taiwan commenced its annual Han Kuang military exercise on Wednesday, a comprehensive defense drill designed to assess and strengthen the island’s ability to respond to a potential military assault from mainland China. This year’s iteration of the Han Kuang maneuvers is set to run for a duration of 10 days, making it the most extensive and prolonged version of the exercise in Taiwan’s history.

This marks a significant escalation from the previous year—the 2024 Han Kuang exercise lasted only five days. Doubling the length reflects growing concerns in Taipei over China’s increasing military assertiveness and underscores the island’s emphasis on readiness and deterrence.

Beijing regards the self-governing democratic island of Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under its control. Taiwan remains a central point in the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between China and the United States. Washington supports Taiwan’s defense capabilities, providing weapons and military assistance as part of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy.

Earlier this year, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te characterized China as a “foreign hostile force,” underscoring the administration’s growing apprehension over Beijing’s intentions.

The current round of drills began with exercises specifically aimed at countering maritime threats posed by Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels. These Chinese ships have increasingly engaged in harassment of Taiwanese vessels operating near offshore island groups close to China’s coastline. Analysts have speculated that such activities could potentially be used by Beijing as a pretext or cover for a broader invasion of Taiwan.

In addition to traditional military maneuvers, the exercises have expanded to include civilian preparedness. Supermarkets in major Taiwanese cities are taking part in the drills, with staff tasked with guiding shoppers to designated shelters upon hearing air-raid sirens. Employees are also practicing emergency protocols such as calming panicked customers, transmitting intelligence to authorities, and providing first aid, including wound dressing, in the event of an attack.

For the first time, officials have also incorporated mobile applications into the urban resilience drills. These digital tools are being used to simulate air raid evacuations and test civilian response times and coordination in the face of simulated emergencies.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense reiterated Beijing’s firm opposition to Taiwan’s push for autonomy, stating, “An attempt to seek independence by force can only result in a dead end.”