KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te oversaw coastal strike exercises on Saturday as part of the annual Han Kuang military drills, boarding a fast attack missile boat and observing low-flying attack drones during a simulation focused on responding to a potential assault.
- Lai Ching-te observed coastal strike drills during Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang military exercises.
- The president boarded a fast attack missile boat at a naval base in Kaohsiung.
- Low-flying attack drones were deployed over the beach and sea during the exercise.
- The 10-day Han Kuang drills are focused on Taiwan’s combat readiness against a potential invasion.
Lai watches coastal defence exercise
Lai visited a navy base in the southern city of Kaohsiung on Saturday, where he boarded a fast attack missile boat and addressed sailors participating in the exercises.
He said the purpose of the Han Kuang drills was to use real personnel, terrain and equipment to test military coordination, combat response and homeland defence capabilities.
“The purpose of the Han Kuang exercise is to use live troops, live terrain and live equipment to test command coordination, combat responsiveness and homeland defence capabilities.”
Lai said Taiwan would continue strengthening its defence capabilities in response to external threats and challenges. He did not directly name China in his remarks.
Attack drones deployed during drill
After addressing the sailors, Lai watched small, low-flying attack drones operate over the beach and surrounding sea as part of the exercise.
The demonstration formed part of the wider effort to test how Taiwan’s forces would respond to different scenarios during a potential conflict.
Lai called on personnel taking part in the exercises to strengthen coordination and understanding so they could respond to different situations while protecting Taiwan’s sovereignty and the safety of its people.
Coast Guard joins military exercise
A newly developed Anping-class catamaran operated by Taiwan’s Coast Guard also took part in Saturday’s exercise.
The Coast Guard would be expected to support the navy during wartime, making its participation part of Taiwan’s broader preparations for a potential conflict.
The Anping-class vessels are based on Taiwan’s Tuo Chiang fast attack warships, which are highly manoeuvrable and equipped with anti-ship missiles. Taiwan’s military has described the Tuo Chiang vessels as an “aircraft carrier killer”.
On Thursday, Lai had also observed the installation of missile launchers on an Anping-class Coast Guard ship.
Han Kuang drills focus on invasion readiness
Taiwan began the 10-day Han Kuang exercises on Wednesday. The annual drills are designed to test the island’s ability to respond to a potential invasion by China.
China regards democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to bring the island under its control, including by force if necessary. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
China regards Lai as a “separatist” and has rejected his repeated offers of talks.
Lai calls for stronger defence coordination
During his message to military personnel, Lai said the government would continue providing support to the military and Coast Guard as Taiwan strengthens its defence capabilities.
He urged personnel to participate actively in the exercise and improve coordination and mutual understanding.
“I also hope that everyone will respond actively during the exercise and strengthen coordination and mutual understanding, so that you can respond to all kinds of situations and safeguard national sovereignty and the safety of the people with solid combat power.”
The exercises are taking place against the backdrop of continued tensions between Taiwan and China, with Taiwan maintaining its preparations for potential military contingencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Taiwan’s Han Kuang military exercises?
Han Kuang is Taiwan’s annual military exercise. The 2026 drills are scheduled to last 10 days and focus on testing combat readiness and homeland defence capabilities against a potential invasion.
Why did the Taiwan Coast Guard participate in the drills?
The Coast Guard is expected to support Taiwan’s navy during wartime. Its participation allows Taiwan to test coordination between maritime security and military forces during the exercises.
What happens next?
The Han Kuang exercises will continue after Saturday’s coastal strike drills as Taiwan tests its military coordination, combat responsiveness and homeland defence capabilities.
The participation of attack boats, drones and Coast Guard vessels reflects Taiwan’s focus on preparing different parts of its security forces to operate together during a potential conflict.
