Taiwan Holds Largest-Ever Reservist Mobilisation for 10-Day Military Drills Against China

Strategic Insights -

Taiwan is conducting its annual Han Kuang military drills, which aim to defend against a Chinese invasion. The 10-day training exercise, from July 9-18, features the largest-ever mobilisation of reservists, with 22,000 participants. This year's drills are also the longest, extending from five days and four nights last year to 10 days and nine nights. The exercises include the use of newly delivered US High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and US-made advanced M1A2 Abrams tanks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Han Kuang military drills are an annual event, held since 1984, with the aim of defending against a Chinese invasion.
  • This year's drills feature the largest-ever mobilisation of reservists, with 22,000 participants.
  • The exercises will run from July 9-18, with a focus on simulating scenarios such as "grey zone harassment" and "long-range precision strikes" to combat a Chinese invasion in 2027.
  • Taiwanese Defence Minister Wellington Koo stated that the drills are aimed at letting the international community know that Taiwan is determined to defend itself and to pass the message on to China that the nation's military has the confidence and ability to defend a free and democratic life.
  • The drills include the use of newly delivered US High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and US-made advanced M1A2 Abrams tanks.
  • The exercises are being held at the same time as civilian defence drills, indicating a heightened sense of urgency and preparedness against a potential Chinese invasion.

Statistics:

  • 22,000 reservists are participating in this year's drills, the largest-ever mobilisation.
  • The drills will run for 10 days, from July 9-18.
  • The exercises include the deployment of newly delivered US High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).
  • 31 sorties by Chinese military aircraft and seven warships were detected around the island in the 24 hours leading up to the drills.
  • Taiwanese Defence Minister Wellington Koo stated that the nation's military has the confidence and ability to defend a free and democratic life.

Sources:

  • (Alliance News) - source: AFP
  • Eurasia Group - source: recent note