Taiwan President Oversees Coastal Strike Drill During Annual War Games

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te personally oversaw coastal strike drills on Saturday, participating in the island's annual Han Kuang military exercises. Lai boarded a fast attack missile boat and observed the deployment of low-flying attack drones, simulating a response to a potential Chinese assault.

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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 defense capabilities.

The 10-day Han Kuang exercises, which began Wednesday, are designed to test Taiwan's combat readiness against an invasion by China. Beijing considers the self-governing democracy its territory and has not ruled out using force to achieve unification.

From a navy base in Kaohsiung, President Lai addressed sailors, stating the drills' purpose is to test command coordination, combat responsiveness, and homeland defense. He affirmed the government's commitment to strengthening defense capabilities and supporting the military and Coast Guard, without directly naming China. Lai urged participants to enhance coordination and mutual understanding to safeguard national sovereignty and the people's safety.

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In the face of 'external threats and challenges', the government will continue to work to strengthen defense capabilities, giving the military and Coast Guard the greatest support.

The drills included the participation of a new Anping-class Coast Guard catamaran, highlighting the Coast Guard's role in wartime support. These ships are based on Taiwan's highly maneuverable Tuo Chiang fast attack warships, known as "aircraft carrier killers." On Thursday, Lai had witnessed missile launchers being installed on an Anping-class vessel. China views Lai as a "separatist" and has rejected his offers for dialogue.

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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.