Drones, tanks, and innovative new combat tactics were put to the test over the 10-day drill. With tensions escalating in the Taiwan Strait, this unprecedented military build-up sends a sharp message to Beijing.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te watched live-fire drills with U.S.-made Abrams M1A2T tanks Thursday, as part of major annual exercises aimed at boosting the island's ability to fend off threats from China.

The July 9-18 Han Kuang 41 war games also include urban warfare, sheltering exercises, drills with M1A2T tanks, and a blockade of the Tamsui River, according to the Liberty Times.

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.

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.

Speaking at the Kengzikou firing range in Hsinchu County, Lai said the government will always be the military’s strongest supporter and pledged to protect Taiwan’s democratic and free way of life.