China imposes export controls: Taiwan mobilizes 22,000 reservists for military exercise

China imposes export controls; Taiwan mobilizes 22,000 reservists for military exercise. 09.07.2025, 08:36

China repeatedly threatens to annex Taiwan, even using military force if necessary. To counter this, Taiwan conducts an annual military exercise. Due to the growing threat, this exercise, for the first time, also includes training with the population.

Taiwan has begun its annual "Han Kuang" military exercise to test its defense capabilities against a possible Chinese invasion. More than 22,000 reservists have been mobilized for the exercise. For the first time, the exercise will last ten days instead of five. This year's exercise is the largest since Taiwan began it in 1984.

The country, with a population of more than 23 million, has had an independent government since 1949. However, China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly threatened to annex it—using military force if necessary. The United States, Taiwan's most important ally, is legally obligated to support the island democracy's defense capabilities under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.

With "Han Kuang," the army is training to defend against landings and conduct coastal warfare. This time, it will be important to test the performance of new weapons, such as the new drone units and the first US-made Himars multiple rocket launcher.

Exercises in cities and communities

In response to the growing threat from China, Taiwan is conducting its first urban and community resilience training with its residents. The training includes training in infrastructure protection, air raid evacuation, disaster relief, casualty care, and refugee accommodation.

China imposed export controls at the start of the exercise. So-called dual-use goods, which could be used for both civilian and military purposes, were no longer allowed to be exported to eight Taiwanese companies, including a supplier to Taiwan's defense industry, the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing announced.