Taiwan launches five‑day combat‑readiness drills amid China tension

Taiwan began a five‑day series of combat‑readiness exercises on Monday, aimed at improving the island’s ability to respond to a possible Chinese military attack. The drills, conducted around Taoyuan — home to Taiwan’s largest international airport — saw tanks moving through city streets and the 269th Infantry Brigade carrying out live‑fire exercises, with the defence ministry stressing “real‑time, live fire and on‑site” conditions.

Chinese forces responded by dispatching 23 aircraft, seven warships and five additional vessels to the area around the island. Beijing continues to claim Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control. The drills follow prior training in June that included a missile launch directed toward China.