Taiwan is set to carry out large-scale military and civil defense drills next week that will simulate a potential blockade and invasion by China. The exercises, known as the Han Kuang drills, will begin on July 9 and span 10 days, involving over 22,000 reservists, making it the most extensive drill to date. President Lai Ching-te emphasized that Taiwan is already enduring what he described as a "war without gun smoke", referring to cyber intrusions and disinformation efforts by China. He reassured citizens, praising their resilience and unity, which have helped Taiwan overcome various past challenges.

Military officials noted the drills will include scenarios like "joint fire attacks" and amphibious landing operations by Chinese forces. Taiwan’s armed forces will practice integrated strike responses using naval and air precision attacks. The defense ministry stated it may raise its combat readiness if China reacts with military drills of its own. In parallel, civil defense activities such as missile warnings and city-wide evacuations will take place, temporarily halting business and traffic in cities like Taipei.

The drills come amid rising tensions between Taipei and Beijing. President Lai has been delivering speeches promoting national unity ahead of a July 26 recall vote targeting lawmakers from the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan’s main opposition party. Civil groups pushing the vote view it as a stand against pro-Beijing politicians—a claim the KMT denies. China's Taiwan Affairs Office has not commented on the upcoming drills.