Taiwan Launches Largest-Ever 10-Day War Games Involving 22,000 Reservists

Taiwan has launched its largest-ever 10-day Han Kuang military exercise to simulate and prepare for a potential Chinese invasion, focusing initially on defending its command and communication systems against cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns. The drills involve over 22,000 reservists—the highest number in history—and incorporate live-fire training, the use of new weapons such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and Taiwan-developed Sky Sword missiles, as well as urban resilience air defense drills involving civilian infrastructure like supermarkets. The exercises emphasize decentralized command to counteract attacks that could cripple communications, reflecting lessons learned from recent conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. Taiwan's defense strategy is increasingly geared toward long-term resistance and societal resilience, with civil defense and essential services also tested. These drills come amid heightened Chinese military pressure, including frequent PLA exercises around Taiwan, and are part of President Lai Ching-te's priority to strengthen the island's preparedness. The Ministry of National Defense is broadcasting parts of the exercises publicly to enhance transparency and counter misinformation.