Taiwan Conducts Largest Civil-Military Defense Drill Amid China Tensions

Taiwan is preparing for its largest and most comprehensive annual military exercise, the 41st Han Kuang drill, which will run for an unprecedented 10 days starting July 9. For the first time, the exercise will integrate conventional war games with urban survival drills under continuous live-fire conditions, reflecting a "whole-of-society resilience" approach that combines military defense with civilian preparedness. This year’s drills will simulate a range of scenarios from China's gray-zone tactics to full-scale invasion, including joint anti-landing operations and sustained combat, while also testing urban evacuation, sheltering, and critical infrastructure protection. The Ministry of the Interior will coordinate the urban resilience segment, emphasizing the importance of civil defense and national mobilization in the face of growing security concerns amid increasing Chinese naval activity around Taiwan. Officials highlight that this integrated strategy aims to enhance the island's ability to respond to and survive a prolonged conflict, underscoring the government’s commitment to readiness as essential to preserving peace. Legal experts will also participate to ensure compliance with international and domestic laws during the exercises.