Taiwan Beefing Up Military Exercises to Counter China

Taiwan is intensifying its military exercises in response to increasing pressure from China. The annual Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan’s largest military drills, are designed to counter a potential Chinese invasion. Historically criticized as mere public-relations exercises, these drills have undergone significant changes this year to enhance their realism and effectiveness.

Changes to Han Kuang Exercises

In previous years, the Han Kuang exercises involved Taiwanese special forces and marines donning red hats to simulate Chinese invaders, performing beach landings and airport takeovers. These scripted events were broadcast live, with narrations detailing Taiwan's successful defense, often as the president watched. However, this approach was seen as insufficient preparation for actual conflict.

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This year, the exercises, scheduled from July 22nd to 26th, aimed to be different. Wellington Koo, Taiwan’s defense minister, and Mei Chia-shu, chief of the general staff, announced that the drills would be unscripted. Flashy displays of firepower and role-playing segments were canceled. Instead, special forces returned to their primary roles, practicing defense against surprise scenarios.

Increasing Pressure from China

The changes to the Han Kuang exercises come amid escalating tensions with China, which has condemned Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, as a "separatist." China is also increasing its grey-zone pressures in the Taiwan Strait. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for U.S. president, has suggested he might not defend Taiwan if China attacks.

Public morale in Taiwan is low, with nearly half of Taiwanese expressing no confidence in their armed forces' ability to protect them from a Chinese invasion. Taiwanese volunteers returning from the battlefield in Ukraine have also criticized their country’s military training as inadequate.

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Efforts to Improve Military Preparedness

Mr. Koo, previously head of Taiwan’s national security council under former president Tsai Ing-wen, is working to change this perception. Tsai initiated an overhaul of Taiwan’s defenses, extending conscription, nearly doubling the defense budget, expanding domestic arms production, and increasing training with the U.S. Since becoming defense minister in May, Mr. Koo has reduced the ceremonial aspects of military training.

Impact of Typhoon

Despite the planned improvements, an incoming typhoon led to the cancellation of most exercises this year, with the event called off a day early. President Lai supervised some disaster-relief drills, and some live-fire scenarios took place on outlying islands. Narrators encouraged viewers sheltering from the typhoon at home to tune in, emphasizing the importance of the exercises.

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"Every drop of sweat in these exercises is a badge of honor for defending the homeland," one narrator said. While Han Kuang may be less scripted, it remains a crucial display of Taiwan's military readiness.

News Source:- economist.com