The island of Taiwan is holding its annual Han Kuang Exercise, which began Wednesday and will run until July 18. Compared to past years, this year's drills focus more on real-life scenarios and are conducted more openly.

Taiwan’s leader Lai Ching-te watched live-fire drills with United States-made Abrams M1A2T tanks on Thursday as part of major annual exercises aimed at boosting the island’s ability to fend off threats from China.

Taiwan included its first batch of 38 U.S.-purchased M1A2T Abrams tanks in a live-fire exercise at Hsinchu military base on Thursday, as it launched its annual military exercises intended to guard against Chinese threats.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te oversaw live-fire drills with US-made Abrams M1A2T tanks during Taiwan's extended Han Kuang exercises. These drills aim to enhance defense capabilities amid tensions with China.

Theme Poster "Overwhelming Grip" Released by PLA Eastern Theater Command Hyped as the longest-ever, the island of Taiwan's annual Han Kuang drills kicked off on Wednesday, local media reported. While seemingly aimed at improving defense for the Taiwan authorities,

China Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday announced export restrictions against eight Taiwanese companies, a move analysts described as largely symbolic and unlikely to have a significant commercial impact,

China claims Taiwan as its own despite Taipei's objections. The United States does not recognize Taiwan's statehood but has political and economic stakes in a peaceful resolution to the decades-long dispute, and is obliged by U.S. law to help Taipei arm itself against a possible attack.

Expanded Han Kuang Exercise is simulating a prolonged PLA attack with a ‘scenario-driven, no spoiler’ approach, officials say.