By NSS News
Han Kuang war games to simulate full-scale defense of Taiwan and involve civilians for the first time
Taipei | July 2, 2025
🛰️ The Move
Taiwan will launch its largest-ever annual Han Kuang military exercise on July 9, mobilizing over 22,000 reservists and expanding civil defense participation amid what officials call escalating Chinese military pressure.
📡 The Signal
As the Taiwan Strait becomes an increasingly dangerous flashpoint, Taipei’s expanded drills underscore growing concern about the threat of a Chinese invasion—and the urgent need for military readiness and civilian resilience.
đź“Ś The Essentials
- The 41st Han Kuang exercise will run 10 days and 9 nights, July 9–18, across Taiwan and its outlying islands.
- 22,000 reservists and 7,000 additional troops will be mobilized; drills will simulate joint anti-landing, gray-zone conflict, and prolonged defense scenarios.
- Taiwan will test newly acquired HIMARS rocket systems alongside indigenous missile platforms.
- Civilian elements include air raid drills, urban evacuation, and—for the first time—convenience stores distributing aid supplies.
- President Lai Ching-te is using the exercise as a platform to rally public awareness amid a growing cross-strait crisis.
🧠The Context
China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has sharply escalated pressure—military, political, and economic—since President Lai’s May 2024 inauguration. The U.S., while not recognizing Taiwan’s sovereignty, is legally committed to supporting its self-defense.
🧑‍💼 The Players
- Taiwan Ministry of National Defense – Organizing Han Kuang drills
- President Lai Ching-te – Leading public messaging campaign
- PLA Rocket Force (China) – Viewed as the leading threat across the strait
- Chen Binhua, Taiwan Affairs Office (PRC) – Issued Beijing’s condemnation
- Ely Ratner, Marathon Initiative – U.S. expert endorsing Taiwan’s deterrence push
🎙️ The Reaction
- Ely Ratner (U.S.): “Taiwan is on the right track… [it] should continue apace with heightened urgency and resources.”
- Chen Binhua (PRC): “The two sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the same China… We urge opposition to separatist acts.”
đź”® The Outlook
The exercise will test Taiwan’s ability to rapidly mobilize reserve forces in wartime. Meanwhile, political tensions are set to intensify as nearly a quarter of Taiwan’s lawmakers face recall votes later this summer—a move that could reshape national politics ahead of the 2028 elections.
📆 The Timeline
- July 9–18: Han Kuang drills across Taiwan
- Late July–August: Island-wide legislative recall votes
- 2028: Next general elections scheduled
Source Attribution:
Reported by Taiwan’s Central News Agency, with additional material from public statements and local defense briefings. Summarized by NSS News.
