TAIPEI: Taiwan kicked off its largest military drills on Wednesday with regular troops joined by a record mobilisation of reservists for 10 days of training aimed at defending against a Chinese invasion.

The annual “Han Kuang” exercises, which are being held at the same time as civilian defence drills, will run from July 9-18 and feature newly delivered US high-tech rocket systems.

The self-ruled island democracy faces the constant threat of an invasion by China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to seize it.

Chinese military pressure has intensified in recent years, with Beijing deploying fighter jets and warships around the island on a near-daily basis. In the lead-up to the drills on Wednesday, Taiwan detected 31 sorties by Chinese military aircraft and seven warships around the island in the 24 hours.

Taiwan has boosted defence spending and acquired smaller and more nimble weaponry, including drones, to enable its military to wage asymmetric warfare against its more powerful foe.

Twenty-two thousand reservists — the largest ever call-up — are participating in this year’s drills, having begun a training programme on Saturday. Reservist training includes familiarisation with rifles, squad and platoon machine guns, and tactical manoeuvres.

“Because these reservists have been discharged and away for a long time, upon return they need to undergo specialty refresher training,” said an army officer who asked not to be named.

On Wednesday, reservists wearing camouflage uniforms, helmets and boots were put through their paces, practising cleaning, assembling and aiming 65K2 rifles and machine guns.

Taipei is eager to show the world, especially its key security backer Washington, that it is serious about boosting its military capability.

The drills will “let the international community know that we are determined to defend ourselves, and to pass on to China that the nation’s military has the confidence and ability to defend a free and democratic life”, Taiwanese Defence Minister Wellington Koo said recently. This year’s drills have been extended to 10 days and nine nights, from five days and four nights last year.

Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2025