Taiwan launched its most expansive military drills amid an increased threat posed by China. The 10-day live fire drills include those to counter the Chinese Coast Guard.
The Associated Press reports that the drills will also “feature simulated anti-landing exercises, with regular forces from all the services backed up by 22,000 reservists.”
China criticized the drills, with Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Jiang Bing stating that the “Han Guang exercise is nothing but a bluffing and self-deceiving trick by the DPP authorities, attempting to bind the Taiwanese people to the Taiwan independence cart and harm Taiwan for the selfish interests of one party.”
“We solemnly warn the [Democratic Progressive Party] authorities that seeking ‘independence by force’ is a dead end. Whatever subjects they drill and whatever weapons they use, the PLA’s resolute countermeasures against ‘Taiwan Independence’ will not be deterred, nor will the overwhelming and irresistible trend of China’s national reunification be stopped,” Jiang emphasized.
The Trump administration reportedly sought to increase U.S. arms sales to Taiwan in May as part of a strategy to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Sources familiar with the matter said the sales may surpass the $18.3 billion approved during his first administration.
Taiwan’s defense ministry previously said that it believes it may be attacked by China by 2027.
Indo-Pacific Command Chief Adm. John Aquilino told the U.S. House Armed Services Committee last year that 2027 could be a potential year for a Chinese attack on Taiwan.
“All indications point to the PLA meeting President Xi Jinping’s directive to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027,” Aquilino said. “The [People’s Liberation Army] PLA’s actions indicate their ability to meet Xi’s preferred timeline to unify Taiwan with mainland China by force if directed.”
