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Taiwan President Oversees Coastal Drills During Annual War Games
KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — August 8, 2026
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te observed coastal military drills on Saturday as the island continued its annual Han Kuang war games, which are designed to test its ability to respond to a potential attack.
Lai boarded a fast attack missile boat at a naval base in Kaohsiung and addressed sailors taking part in the exercise. He said the drills were intended to test military coordination, response times and the ability of Taiwan's forces to defend the island using real personnel, equipment and locations.
Taiwan began the 10-day Han Kuang exercises on Wednesday. The annual drills are focused on preparing the military for possible conflict with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan rejects Beijing's sovereignty claim.
During Saturday's exercise, small attack drones flew at low altitude over the coastline and sea as part of a simulated response to an assault. Lai watched the operation and called for stronger coordination between military units and other security agencies.
He said Taiwan would continue strengthening its defense capabilities and provide strong support to its armed forces and Coast Guard. Lai did not directly name China in his remarks but referred to external security threats facing the island.
A new Anping-class Coast Guard catamaran also took part in the exercise. Taiwan's Coast Guard is expected to support the navy during a conflict, while the Anping vessels are based on the design of the navy's fast Tuo Chiang-class warships.
The Tuo Chiang ships carry anti-ship missiles and are designed for fast operations around Taiwan's coastline. On Thursday, Lai watched missile launchers being installed on an Anping-class Coast Guard vessel.
The exercises come as tensions remain high across the Taiwan Strait. Beijing has described Lai as a separatist and has rejected his repeated calls for talks, while Taiwan continues to strengthen its military preparations and expand coordination among its defense and security forces.
The Han Kuang drills are intended to test how Taiwan's forces would respond under realistic conditions, including a possible attack from the sea. The current exercise will continue for several more days as Taiwan assesses its military readiness.
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