Taiwan holds largest-ever military drills against China

Taiwan launched its biggest military drills ever this week, a 10-day live-fire exercise simulating how the island would respond to a full-scale invasion by China. The maneuvers include air-defense drills, coastal defense tests, and drills for chemical attacks—first-time scenarios for Taiwan’s military. Troops are practicing under new tactics modeled on U.S. Marine Corps island-defense training, with a focus on repelling amphibious landings and airborne assaults.

The drills come as China ramps up military pressure around Taiwan, flying warplanes near the island almost daily and staging naval exercises that simulate a blockade. China claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force to take control. Taiwan’s government says the drills are routine readiness training, but this year’s scale reflects growing alarm over Beijing’s aggressive posture. The timing also follows months of increased Chinese military activity, including naval sorties through the sensitive Miyako Strait and large-scale amphibious landing rehearsals.

Over 10,000 troops and hundreds of tanks, ships, and aircraft are participating in the exercises, which run through Friday. Drone surveillance and electronic warfare units are being tested alongside traditional forces, and civil defense drills are being conducted in cities across the island. Taiwan’s defense ministry says the scenarios are designed to improve coordination between different branches of the armed forces. Analysts note the inclusion of chemical attack drills suggests concern over potential Chinese use of non-conventional weapons in a conflict.

The exercises send a clear message to Beijing—and to Washington—that Taipei is preparing for the worst. They also serve as a signal to the U.S. and regional allies that Taiwan remains committed to self-defense despite political divisions at home. The drills follow recent U.S. congressional approval of $8 billion in military aid for Taiwan, part of a broader push to deter Chinese aggression. With no signs of Beijing backing down, the next phase could involve even larger joint exercises with foreign partners, raising the stakes in one of the world’s most dangerous flashpoints.