Taipei | July 14, 2025
Taiwan showcased advanced U.S.-made air and missile defense systems—including Patriot, Stinger, and HIMARS—during its largest annual military exercise, amid intensifying threats from China.
- Han Kuang Exercise: Now in its 41st iteration, the 10-day, 9-night live-fire drill simulates a full-scale Chinese invasion; this year’s event is the longest and most expansive to date.
- Weapons on Display: U.S.-supplied Patriot missile batteries were deployed in Taipei to defend critical sites; troops carried Stinger missile systems for low-altitude air defense, and HIMARS units were observed in central Taiwan.
- Military Objective: According to officials, the focus is on urban defense, infrastructure protection, and counter-landing scenarios. “Troops swiftly completed engagement procedures,” the Defense Ministry stated.
- China Responds: Beijing condemned the drills. Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin warned, “Seeking ‘independence’ by force is a dead end.”
- U.S.-Taiwan Defense Ties: The U.S. remains Taiwan’s main arms supplier, though a $20 billion backlog in weapons deliveries persists.
Context: U.S. commanders believe China is aiming to have invasion capabilities ready by 2027. Taiwan’s drills reflect growing urgency as tensions across the Taiwan Strait escalate.
