Taiwan military, coast guard hold drill to repel China landing

Taiwan’s military and coast guard conducted an exercise Saturday as part of the island’s largest annual Han Kuang military drills, simulating efforts to prevent an amphibious landing by forces from mainland China, which claims the self-ruled democracy as part of its territory.

The exercise, conducted in the southern port city of Kaohsiung, saw Taiwan’s military deploy special operations assault boats and a reconnaissance drone to prevent enemy forces from landing. Meanwhile, a Coast Guard Administration vessel capable of carrying missiles also set sail.

Article continues after this advertisement

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te inspected the exercise and delivered a message to military and coast guard personnel from the bridge of an attack missile boat, saying the Han Kuang military drills are aimed at assessing command coordination, responses under wartime conditions and the military’s ability to defend Taiwan.

“In the face of external threats and challenges, the government will continue working to strengthen Taiwan’s defense capabilities and provide the greatest possible support to our armed forces and coast guard personnel,” Lai said.

China, which views Taiwan as a renegade province to be brought into its fold by force if necessary, has expanded maritime operations around the island by dispatching military and coast guard ships, saying they safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

Taiwan regards the increased activity as a growing threat and is stepping up coast guard surveillance.

Cross-strait tensions have intensified since Lai, whom Beijing condemns as a “separatist,” took office in 2024. The island and the Communist-led mainland have been governed separately since 1949 due to a civil war. /dl