Taiwan launches largest Han Kuang drills, 20,000 troops

Taiwan launched its largest annual military exercise on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, initiating a series of drills designed to test combat readiness and civilian resilience amid ongoing tensions with China. The 10-day Han Kuang exercise, which runs through August 14, involves more than 20,000 troops, including approximately 5,000 reservists, and introduces new measures aimed at creating more realistic wartime scenarios.

The drills began after an underground command center in Taipei issued combat orders, prompting immediate readiness measures including fighter jet dispersals and emergency naval deployments. A central focus this year is improving command flexibility, with an emphasis on enabling junior officers to make independent decisions when communications are disrupted. For the first time, the military is implementing a U.S.-style "backbrief" system, requiring subordinates to repeat mission instructions to commanders to ensure clarity and synchronization.

Scenarios being practiced include responding to a potential Chinese amphibious assault, with reservists conducting beach defense exercises along the Taiwan Strait. The military is also rehearsing counter-blockade operations,...