On July 9, 2025, Taiwan initiated its most extensive annual Han Kuang military exercises, lasting ten days and mobilizing over 22,000 reservists. These drills simulate attacks on command and infrastructure systems, preparing for a potential Chinese invasion.
This year's exercises focus on testing responsiveness to communication disruptions and incorporate new defense technologies, including the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and Sky Sword surface-to-air missiles. Taiwan is also, for the first time, training citizens in urban and community resilience.
In response to the exercises, China imposed export controls, banning the export of "dual-use goods" to eight Taiwanese companies, including the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) and the CSBC Corporation. The international defense community is closely monitoring the exercises to assess Taiwan's readiness and China's reactions.