Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te observed live-fire drills featuring US-made M1A2T Abrams tanks on Thursday, the second day of the 10-day Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan’s longest-ever military drills aimed at countering China’s escalating threats. Held at a Hsinchu county testing ground, the drills saw four tanks achieve 100% accuracy, firing individually, in pairs, and as a group at both stationary and moving targets, showcasing Taiwan’s enhanced combat readiness.

Taiwan’s $1.45 billion deal for 108 Abrams tanks, part of a broader military upgrade including F-16V jets, HIMARS missile defenses, and stealth drones, aims to replace ageing equipment and fortify defenses, particularly in the north, home to its high-tech industries. President Lai emphasized, “Stronger military strength ensures national security and Indo-Pacific stability,” addressing troops and media.

China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and frequently deploys ships, balloons, and aircraft near the island, has dismissed the exercises as futile. The US, Taiwan’s primary arms supplier, is legally obligated to view threats to the island as a “major concern,” though its response to a potential Chinese attack remains ambiguous.

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Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some praising Taiwan’s resolve and others noting China’s provocative actions, including recent sanctions on eight Taiwanese firms linked to its defense industry.

The drills also featured civilian defense measures, with a Taipei food mart evacuated to a bomb shelter and tanks deployed to an international airport to simulate repelling a Chinese air landing. Taiwan’s military continues to purge Chinese elements from its supply chains, aligning with its robust defense strategy.

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