TAIWAN BEGINS LONGEST-EVER MILITARY EXERCISE AMID CHINA TENSIONS

Taiwan has commenced its longest-ever military exercise, the 10-day-long live-fire Han Kuang drills, drawing direct inspiration from Ukraine's resistance against the Russian invasion.

Kicking off earlier this week, these are Taiwan's most ambitious war-preparedness exercises to date, incorporating new weaponry, real-time scenarios, and strategic signals aimed at China's increasing assertiveness.

Amidst rising tensions and China's escalating harassment of Taiwanese ships and expanded military presence near the island, Taiwan's Ministry of Defence explicitly stated that the drills are intended to guard against Beijing's expansionist behaviour.

The Defence Ministry announced that the exercises began with drills to "counter the actions of Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia ships that have been harassing Taiwanese ships around offshore island groups close to the Chinese coast."

These Chinese forces, including so-called "maritime militia" vessels, have been employing "grey-zone tactics," which involve harassment that stops short of open warfare but still exerts pressure on Taiwan's sovereignty.

Analysts warn that such actions could potentially serve as a cover for an eventual invasion.

Concerns are that China could launch an invasion under the guise of minor harassment.

In response, the drills will include fortifying ports and potential Chinese landing points on an island located 160 kilometres (100 miles) off the Chinese coast.