Taiwan Launches 5-Day Military Drill as China Sends 23 Aircraft Near Island

3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 22

Taiwan’s military began a five-day combat-readiness exercise Monday, sending tanks and armored vehicles through Taoyuan streets and highways near the island’s largest international airport.
The drills are meant to test how quickly units can deploy against a possible Chinese attack or sudden escalation in Beijing’s grey-zone pressure, with the defense ministry stressing real-time, live-fire and on-site operations.
China’s military pressure continued alongside the exercise: Taiwan said 23 PLA aircraft, seven navy ships and five other Chinese government vessels operated near the island from Sunday into Monday morning.
Taiwan has been stepping up preparedness as China claims the island and refuses to rule out force; earlier this month, Taiwanese forces fired rockets in China’s direction for the first time in an exercise.

Sources

Left50%

Right50%

The Associated Press17h ago

Taiwan Begins Five-Day Military Drill with Tanks Amid China Threats

Washington Times8h ago

Taiwan begins 5-day military drill with tanks patrolling streets

Firstpost17h ago

Taiwan launches five-day combat readiness drill amid rising Chinese military pressure – Firstpost

9 Sources

Can Taiwan's 'Hellscape' strategy deter a Chinese blockade, or is it a costly gamble against overwhelming force?

With its budget cut, can Taiwan’s drone army truly counter China’s advanced AI-powered swarms?

Is Taiwan's 'Silicon Shield' a real deterrent or a high-stakes bluff in a world bracing for a supply chain collapse?

Taiwan’s 2026 Defense Drills: Cross-Strait Tensions, International Responses, and Economic Risks

Overview

In June 2026, Taiwan launched a five-day 'Immediate Combat Readiness' drill to strengthen its defenses amid ongoing military pressure from China, which continues to claim the island and has not ruled out using force. The exercises, led by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, focused on familiarizing military units with combat practices, especially in the strategically important Qingpu area. This region is vital for protecting northern Taiwan and preventing enemy advances toward Taipei. The drills reflect Taiwan's response to China's increasing military activities and highlight the island's commitment to maintaining its security and readiness.

...