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Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Why Taiwan is rehearsing for war and what it wants China and Trump to know
Taiwan is carrying out its largest military and civil defence drills to date, in response to growing threats from China. The 10-day Han Kuang exercises, which began on 9 July 2025, involve over 22,000 troops and thousands of civilians, including volunteers and emergency workers. The drills aim to test how well Taiwan can defend itself against a possible Chinese invasion. Government officials say the exercises are also designed to build public awareness and resilience in case of conflict. In the capital, Taipei, air raid sirens brought the city to a standstill. Civilian evacuations were practised in shops, schools, subways, and busy areas. BBC News reported that residents had to shelter indoors or risk fines, and traffic came to a halt as part of the Urban Resilience exercise. At a supermarket, The Independent quoted a 19-year-old student, Wu Huan Chung, who described a drill where staff reassured a shopper concerned about food shortages. 'They explained the store was keeping food in the basement for emergencies,' she said. Staff had also been trained in evacuation procedures and ways to calm crowds. Troops took part in amphibious landing drills, helicopter re-arming exercises, and city-based combat simulations. New weapons systems such as US-supplied Himars missile launchers and Abrams tanks were used during the drills, The Independent reported. President Lai Ching Te, who observed several drills in military uniform, said the goal was to avoid war by being ready for it. 'We hope by preparing for war, we can avoid war, to achieve the goal of peace,' he said, as quoted by BBC News. NOW HAPPENING: Urban Resilience (Air Defense) Drill in Taipei All civilians are required to shelter indoors. Buses halted to a stop during the drills, while trains continued service. The annual air raid drill comes as Taiwan conducts its largest military exercises to date. — Gino Lopez | 盧培德 (@ginollopez) July 17, 2025 The president added that building unity and public strength is key, 'With preparation, we have strength.' China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has criticised the drills. At a press conference, Chinese defence spokesperson Colonel Jiang Bing called the exercises 'a bluff and a self-deceiving trick' and said Taiwan could not stop China's goal of reunification. But Taiwanese lawmakers and civil society groups say the drills are essential. 'We are facing China, so we want to be well prepared,' said Fan Yun, a member of Taiwan's legislature, as quoted by The Independent. 'We are showing our ability to defend ourselves.' Some residents told BBC news that they believe the chances of a Chinese invasion are low. 'If they really wanted to invade us, they would have done it long ago,' said a 29-year-old finance worker named Ben. 'But I do believe we need these drills… every country needs to practise defence.' Others are less confident. 'There is just too big a difference in the strengths of China and Taiwan's militaries,' said Mr Xue, an office worker. 'There is no use defending ourselves.' Still, the drills have made emergency preparation part of everyday conversation. People are now discussing what food and medical supplies to store at home, and making plans with family in case of attack. This year, for the first time, Taiwan combined its military drills with large-scale civil defence exercises. These included mock rescue operations, bomb simulations, and training volunteers in first aid. One NGO worker told The Independent that these activities help raise awareness, especially among younger people. But she said it's still hard to talk with older generations about the possibility of war. 'If something really happens, questions like 'where should we meet' are an uncomfortable eventuality to prepare for,' she said. Taiwan's defence ministry has urged the public not to panic and to ignore misinformation about the drills. Officials hope the exercises will show both the people of Taiwan—and China—that the island is serious about its self-defence. As lawmaker Fan Yun put it, 'In Taiwan we say, the colour of your political party's flag does not matter, because a missile has no eyes.'
AllAfrica
5 days ago
- Politics
- AllAfrica
Time for QUAD to step up to Taiwan's defense
Taiwan's 40th Han Kuang military exercise, its most extensive to date, spans ten days and simulates a full-scale Chinese invasion. The drills incorporate amphibious assaults, joint-force coordination and extensive civilian-military integration across multiple domains. Taiwan is also showcasing enhanced deterrent capabilities with US-supplied HIMARS rocket systems, F-16V fighter jets and indigenous Sky Sword II and Sky Bow III missile systems. The activation of 22,000 reservists marks an unprecedented expansion of national defense mobilization, signaling Taiwan's growing commitment to preparing for conflict rather than merely deterring it. This shift is a direct response to the People's Liberation Army's increasingly aggressive behavior. Gray-zone coercion has become routine. PLA aircraft and naval incursions across the Taiwan Strait's median line surged from 565 in 2022 to over 3,070 in 2024, an average of more than eight per day. In January 2025 alone, Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone recorded 248 crossings by China, which represents a 75% increase compared to January 2022. These provocations are designed to wear down Taiwan's defenses without crossing the threshold into open conflict, reflecting China's long-term strategy of psychological pressure, strategic normalization and the gradual erosion of Taiwan's sovereignty through fatigue. But Taiwan is no longer waiting passively for external support. It is building an active and layered defense strategy in anticipation of a volatile future. This recalibration has drawn attention from Taiwan's strategic partners, particularly Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) members. Originally conceived as a maritime security initiative, the QUAD has evolved into a broader Indo-Pacific framework committed to ensuring a free, open and rules-based regional order. Yet the Taiwan question exposes the bloc's limitations. Unlike NATO, the QUAD is not a military alliance. Still, the urgency of Taiwan's situation has sparked debate over whether the group should develop a more coherent strategy for collective deterrence. US President Donald Trump recently called for greater clarity from Australia and Japan regarding their roles in a potential Taiwan conflict. The Pentagon is also actively working to align operational plans with allies, particularly Japan and Australia, through behind-the-scenes consultations and strategic dialogues. However, progress remains slow, hindered by political constraints and divergent national priorities. Japan has strengthened its defense posture, increasing its budget from 6.8 trillion yen in 2023 to 8.7 trillion yen in 2025, or 1.8% of GDP. It has expanded joint drills with the United States and is reassessing its strategic doctrines. However, constitutional limits and public ambivalence remain obstacles. A survey by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper found that 62% of Japanese citizens consider a regional conflict likely, yet a majority prefer neutrality and global cooperation, with only 18.7% supporting closer alignment with the United States. Australia has also adopted a cautious approach. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent six-day visit to China highlights his government's dual-track strategy of deepening US defense ties while preserving strong economic relations with China. Amid US calls for clarity on Taiwan, the Australian government stated that 'it would not commit troops in advance to any potential conflict.' The stakes are significant. Australian exports to China reached AUD196 billion last year, exceeding the combined total of Australia's next four largest markets. Curtin University estimates that Australia's trade with China contributes an additional AUD2,600 to the average household income each year. In contrast, recent tariffs imposed by the United States average around 10%, while those under the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement remain at just 1.1%. This disparity has strengthened the perception of China as a more stable and economically reliable partner for Australia. India, by contrast, continues to maintain deliberate silence on Taiwan, consistent with its longstanding recognition of the One China policy since 1949. Even amid rising cross-Strait tensions, it has avoided statements in forums such as ASEAN, reflecting a strategic calculation to avoid provoking China, especially given their unresolved border disputes in the Himalayas. At the same time, India has steadily expanded its engagement with Taiwan. Companies like Foxconn and Pegatron are integral to Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat programs, and bilateral trade has increased sixfold since 2001. Talks on a free trade agreement and semiconductor cooperation are also progressing. A conflict in the Taiwan Strait would severely disrupt global supply chains and pose significant economic risks, which India increasingly recognizes. While the July 2025 QUAD Foreign Ministers' meeting expressed 'serious concerns' over rising tensions in the East and South China Seas, it refrained from directly condemning China. Strategic and economic divergences within the QUAD underscore its central dilemma. The QUAD was never designed for collective military action and lacks both the institutional structure and legally binding mutual defense commitments that define NATO. However, China's growing assertiveness over Taiwan and its expanding capabilities demand a more coordinated response. Even as public statements remain measured, the QUAD must avoid strategic drift to remain relevant. Coordinated efforts in contingency planning, intelligence sharing and logistical interoperability need to accelerate. The QUAD's credibility, and that of the broader rules-based order, depends on readiness and sustained alignment. China will continue to test the QUAD's cohesion, but this also presents an opportunity to forge a more adaptable and politically viable model of deterrence, one rooted in regional awareness, interoperability and expanding partnerships, particularly with ASEAN. Taiwan is no longer a peripheral concern. It has become the crucible in which the QUAD's purpose and unity will be tested. As pressure mounts in the Taiwan Strait, the time for strategic ambiguity is narrowing. The stability of the Indo-Pacific may well depend on the QUAD's ability to adapt, align and act with resolve. Rishab Rathi is a research assistant at the Centre of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG), leading the Conflict Studies vertical with a special emphasis on South Asia. With an academic background in international relations and political science, his work explores geopolitical dynamics, post-colonial governance and conflict resolution across diverse global contexts.
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Taipei Halts As Taiwan Stages Mass Evacuations And War Drills Amid China Threat
Last Updated: Taipei conducted a major civil defence exercise simulating a Chinese attack, coinciding with Taiwan's Han Kuang military drills. Taiwan's capital Taipei came to a standstill as the island conducted one of its largest-ever civil defence exercises, simulating how citizens and emergency services would respond to a Chinese attack. The drills coincided with Taiwan's annual Han Kuang military exercises as the self-governing island ramps up efforts to strengthen its defences amid increasing pressure from Beijing. Air raid sirens rang out across the Taipei metropolitan area, forcing residents to seek shelter indoors while traffic was brought to a complete halt. Businesses, shops and restaurants were required to pause operations as drivers instructed to pull over and head indoors immediately. In key areas of the city- including temple squares, subway stations, highways and schools-emergency workers and volunteers carried out evacuation drills. Authorities also simulated mass casualty events, mimicking missile or bomb strikes, with rescuers pulling out 'survivors," treating mock injuries and distributing emergency supplies. This year's Urban Resilience exercise marks the first time that civil defence drills have been fully integrated into the Han Kuang war games, Taiwan's most significant annual military exercise. Taiwan President William Lai said, 'We hope by preparing for war, we can avoid war, to achieve the goal of peace. With preparation, we have strength." China Condemns Drill As 'Self-Deceiving Stance' Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to reunify the island, sharply criticised the exercises. Chinese authorities called the drills 'a bluff and self-deceiving stance" as tensions between China and Taiwan have grown significantly since Lai's election earlier this year. China has particularly targeted Lai, branding him a 'separatist." Taiwan also tested newly acquired defence systems including the US-supplied HIMARS mobile missile launcher and domestically produced rockets. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Sky News AU
6 days ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
Richard Marles swats away need for meeting with Pentagon policy chief, claims US-Australia relationship ‘strongest it's ever been'
Defence Minister Richard Marles has remained defiant, claiming the United States-Australia relationship is the 'strongest it's ever been' despite mounting pressure from the Pentagon to considerably boost defence spending. As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tours China spruiking increased trade and collaboration on decarbonisation efforts, strategic analysts have argued the US-Australia alliance is in a critical condition, which the government vehemently denies. There is intensifying rancour in Washington over Australia's stagnant defence budget, with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly demanding that Australia increase its spending to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product 'as soon as possible'. Under Secretary of defence policy Eldridge Colby, who is currently leading the Trump administrations review into the AUKUS submarine agreement, also hit the alliance with another curveball after demanding for Australia to pre-commit US-supplied submarines in the event of a potential conflict between China and Taiwan. Mr Colby, who last year labelled himself an AUKUS 'agnostic', has recently met with a range of Asia-Pacific leaders including South Korea, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea with the Defence Minister questioned when he had last spoken to the top US strategist. In response to Sky News host Peter Stefanovic, Mr Marles dismissed why he would hold discussions with the Pentagon policy chief when he had been 'talking with Elbridge Colby's boss', that being Mr Hegseth. 'The answer to that question would be I've met with Pete Hegseth on a couple of occasions and spoken extensively with him about our relationship, including AUKUS,' Mr Marles said. Although Mr Colby is pioneering the US' review into the AUKUS pact, which has now passed its slated 30-day deadline, Mr Marles insisted that: 'I engage with my counterpart, and my counterpart is the Secretary of Defence.' Despite a raft of geostrategic experts sounding the alarm about the dire state of relations between the US and Australia, Mr Marles proceeded to boast that Australia's relationship with the 'United States the strongest it's ever been'. 'I was the first international counterpart that Pete Hegseth the Secretary of Defence met with, the first in the world and I met with him again in Singapore at the Shangri La dialogue,' Mr Marles said. When asked if Mr Colby was deliberately agitating the relationship, the Defence Minister resoundingly rejected the assertion and said there had been 'a lot speculated, but the fundamentals here are that we're talking about three countries who have worked very closely together'. Meanwhile, foreign editor at The Australian, Greg Sheridan, lashed the Prime Minister for opting to travel to China for six days at a time when Australia's relationship with the US is in a precarious position. 'I think what on earth was going through the Prime Minister's mind to agree to a six-day trip to China while Operation Talisman Sabre was being conducted in Australia when the Australia-US alliance is under more strain and under more neglect from both sides,' Mr Sheridan said. The foreign affairs expert also stated that Mr Colby had been 'marginally misinterpreted' on his submarine pre-commitment request, and that he was 'probably asking more for joint planning than a commitment to go to war'. 'All the other questions that Elbridge Colby is asking about AUKUS are valid questions and they're critical of his own nation, he's saying even the Americans are not building enough nuclear submarines," he said.
Sydney Morning Herald
6 days ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Do not bomb Moscow: Trump restricts new weapons for Ukraine
London: The Trump administration has warned Ukraine against bombing Moscow under an arms deal that will ship 'massive' amounts of American weapons to the country, raising new doubts about the pressure being applied on Russian President Vladimir Putin. The restriction came within hours of news reports that US President Donald Trump had asked Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky whether his forces were able to strike Moscow and St Petersburg. The White House rushed to respond by saying the president was not suggesting Ukraine should intensify the war by hitting the major cities, insisting he was only asking a question in a private conversation with Zelensky. Trump reinforced the message soon afterwards by declaring it would be 'too bad' for Putin if he did not reach a deal to end the Ukraine war by the US's 50-day deadline, but that this did not mean firing missiles at the Russian capital. 'No, he [Zelensky] shouldn't target Moscow,' Trump said late on Tuesday in Washington, DC (Wednesday AEST). The private remarks and public clarification highlight the US president's growing frustration with Putin and his sudden shift to pile pressure on Moscow as well as the desire to moderate how great that pressure might be. Loading Ukraine has sent drones far into Russia, targeting military sites, but has not made major attacks on civilians. It has been restricted in how it can use US-supplied rocket artillery such as the HIMARS and ATACMS, amid wariness in the West about Putin's threat to use tactical nuclear weapons to defend Russian territory. The new weapons deal, which Trump unveiled on Monday, will be funded by NATO members and will deliver more Patriot systems, which are used to intercept Russian missiles, as well as ammunition and other missiles to help Ukraine go on the attack.
