Taiwan conducts military exercises with an eye on possible invasion by China

Taiwan’s security forces have begun a series of annual military exercises that include a series of drills in the face of possible attacks perpetrated by China, which considers the island another province under its sovereignty.

The ‘Han Kuang’ maneuvers are one of the most important for the Taiwanese Army and last for about a week, in which the Armed Forces simulate a military response to a possible invasion by Chinese troops against the island.

The command includes all types of troops and exercises by land, sea and air, according to information from ‘Nikkei Asia’ magazine. Taiwan President Tsai Ing Wen is scheduled to board a ship on Tuesday to supervise the maneuvers of some 20 ships and several fighter jets near the Suao military base in the southeast of the island.

The military exercises are taking place ahead of a possible visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taipei, the capital, although Pelosi herself has declined to give details.

U.S. President Joe Biden has indicated that the Pentagon does not support the idea of Pelosi traveling to the island, an issue that would lead to increased tension with the Asian giant.