Taiwan has begun its military exercises, known as "Han Kuang". They have been held annually since 1984 and test the readiness of the island's army in the event of an attack by the People's Republic of China.
This year, however, the exercises are the most serious since their inception - 22,000 reservists are participating and will last ten days, instead of the usual five.
Taiwan has modern American equipment
The Taiwanese army is testing its readiness for both a Chinese blockade and an invasion of the island, ARD correspondent Torsten Iffland reports. Wellington Ku, Taiwan's defense minister, stressed that the maneuvers are intended to demonstrate to the international community "that we are determined to defend ourselves and to show China that our country's military has the confidence and ability to defend our free and democratic existence."
The exercises will test various military systems - both weapons and communication defenses. This includes both drones and the American HIMARS rocket launchers, ARD reports.
The United States is considered Taiwan's most important ally and is obliged to support the island state's defense capabilities. This commitment dates back to 1979, when Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act. Over the past 50 years, the United States has sold Taiwan billions of dollars in military equipment and munitions, including F-16 fighter jets and warships.
China steps up pressure on Taiwan
Taiwanese civilians are also taking part in the drills. Evacuation drills are planned for the coming days, and the population will be trained on how to respond to a missile alert.
In recent years, China has increased military pressure on Taipei, sending fighter jets and warships close to the island on an almost daily basis. Recently, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that China is prepared to use force "to change the balance of power" and could try to take over Taiwan by 2027. In the run-up to the drills on Wednesday, Taiwan intercepted 31 Chinese military aircraft and seven warships around the island in just 24 hours.
The Chinese Ministry of Defense described the "Han Kuang" exercises as "nothing more than a bluff". Taiwan cannot resist the "blade of the Chinese People's Liberation Army", Beijing also said.
Taiwanese President Lai Chin-te, whom China describes as a "dangerous separatist", is currently on a tour of the island and plans to give speeches to "unify the country". According to experts, China's future behavior also depends on the president's statements. Beijing may begin its next military provocations as early as this month.