The Republic of China (Taiwan) Armed Forces began the annual Han Kuang military exercises on Aug. 5, 2026 [1].
These drills signal Taiwan's strategic shift toward urban resilience, focusing on the ability of the capital to withstand a large-scale invasion. By integrating civilian agencies with military forces, the government aims to test if Taipei can remain functional under the pressure of an active conflict.
The exercises involve the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard [1]. A primary emphasis this year is placed on the Taipei metropolitan area, where forces are practicing urban defense and civil-military coordination [2]. The urban-defense component of the drills was expanded to two days [3].
"The exercises are designed to test our ability to defend the capital in the event of an attack," a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense said [1].
Beyond the capital, military activity extended to the Kinmen islands. During these operations, Taiwanese forces repelled four Chinese vessels [2]. This activity highlights the ongoing tension in the strait and the volatile nature of the region's maritime borders.
Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng emphasized the necessity of the training. "Our goal is to ensure that Taipei can withstand any aggression and protect our people," Chiu said [4].
The 2026 drills introduced a new level of integration between the military and the public sector. Lin Chih-chung, Deputy Minister of the Interior, said that integrating civilian agencies into the Han Kuang drills for the first time will improve urban resilience and coordination with the military [3].
These simulations are intended to identify gaps in the current defense posture. By mimicking a Chinese invasion, the military can evaluate how quickly civilian infrastructure can pivot to support defense operations, a critical factor in modern urban warfare.
“"Our goal is to ensure that Taipei can withstand any aggression and protect our people,"”
The expansion of the Han Kuang drills to include civilian agencies and a multi-day urban defense focus reflects a transition toward 'total defense' strategies. By prioritizing the resilience of Taipei, Taiwan is acknowledging that a potential conflict would not be limited to remote coastlines but would likely involve complex, high-density urban environments where military and civil cooperation is essential for survival.
