Taiwan Shifts Han Kuang Drills to Unscripted Combat Simulations

The Military of Taiwan conducted its annual Han Kuang military exercises, transitioning from scripted performances to unscripted, realistic operational verification. The drills spanned the island, with troops simulating bridge defenses and counter-sabotage operations within residential neighborhoods and commercial districts in urban centers like Taipei and Kaohsiung.

To increase realism, the military integrated civilian infrastructure, including schools and private factories. In coordination with city governments, the military throttled mobile internet for 30-minute intervals to simulate communication disruptions during an attack, while air-raid alerts were used to clear city streets.

These reforms aim to stress-test the readiness of both the military and society for a potential invasion by China. The shift reflects heightened cross-strait tensions and the Democratic Progressive Party's rejection of Beijing's territorial claims. During the exercises, a logistics accident occurred in Miaoli where a civilian truck spilled inert 155mm howitzer shells.