“Our troops are utilising the latest technologies and weapon systems in tight coordination,” the President said on X (formerly Twitter).
On the ground today to observe the ongoing #HanKuang exercises. To strengthen #Taiwan‘s defenses against amphibious landings, our troops are utilizing the latest technologies & weapons systems in tight coordination — boosting deterrence with increased agility & mobility. pic.twitter.com/STAKP8ZzyD
— Lai Ching-te (@ChingteLai) July 15, 2025
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence said the bridge drills were carried out by the Military Police, while the Third Theatre Command conducted a “defence in depth” exercise to showcase rapid response capabilities to any military incursion.
#HK41 #Day7
President @ChingteLai inspected the #HanKuang41 exercise today, praising the #ROCArmedForces for their commitment to readiness.#ROCMP held bridge defense drills, while the #3rdTheaterCommand ran a “defense in depth” exercise demonstrating rapid response capability. pic.twitter.com/MRBRwuZAQX— Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) ????????? (@MoNDefense) July 15, 2025
The drill reportedly began with the military police constructing a four-tier blockade on the Wanban Bridge within two hours, simulating a scenario involving incursions by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The temporary 690-metre-long blockade included roadblocks, civilian buses, barbed wire barricades, and Hesco bastions—modern collapsible barriers made of wire mesh and fabric, according to local publication Focus Taiwan.
The Defence Ministry also reported sightings of 26 PLA aircraft, seven Chinese naval vessels, and one official ship around Taiwan between July 14 and 15. Of these, 21 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zones (ADIZ).
Read more: Chinese military incursions in Taiwan raises invasion concerns, Trump seeks allies’ plans
The Taiwanese Defence Ministry also reported sighting of about 26 PLA aircraft, seven Chinese naval vessels and one official ship around its territory from July 14 to July 15.
About 21 from the 26 sorties, crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
26 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 21 out of 26 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded. pic.twitter.com/ga8BL4zTOA
— Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) ????????? (@MoNDefense) July 15, 2025
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), operates a separate government and military but faces growing diplomatic and military pressure from Beijing, which claims the island under its “One China” policy.
The military drills, held annually, are aimed at assessing Taiwan’s military capabilities and infrastructure in the event of a possible invasion by China.
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