Taiwan has begun large-scale military exercises to prepare for a military invasion by China, according to Taiwanese media.
According to the Central News Agency (CNA) on the 9th, the Taiwanese military started the 'Han-Guang No. 41 exercise' early in the morning. The exercise focuses on responding to the incursions of the Chinese military into the gray zone. It will continue until the 18th over a schedule of 9 nights and 10 days.
Gray zone tactics refer to low-level provocations that do not escalate into actual military conflict or war. The Chinese military has continued to apply maritime pressure toward Taiwan, including opening routes in the Taiwan Strait on the 6th. Taiwanese and foreign media interpreted this as an intention to exacerbate Taiwan's security anxiety. If the Chinese military sends military aircraft through this route, Taiwan would quickly find itself within the attack range.
The international community is concerned that China may invade Taiwan in 2027, when the reign of Chinese President Xi Jinping ends and his re-election will be determined. In response, Taiwanese media reported that the Taiwanese military is expected to extend the Han-Guang exercise from 5 days to 10 days for more intensive training.
Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Zhang Bin said, "I understand that a significant amount of U.S. military weapons will be mobilized for the military exercises," adding, "This is just a show of force and a tactic aimed at promoting 'Taiwan independence.'" He continued, "Regardless of what weapons are used, the People's Liberation Army of China is fully capable of firmly responding to 'Taiwan independence' and crushing all separatist attempts while safeguarding China's sovereignty and territory."