Published on 6/21/2026
Taiwan announced on Sunday that it will hold military exercises for 5 days to enhance its readiness for combat, as tensions with China increase.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense stated that the army will conduct the exercises within the framework of modernization plans aimed at making the training focus more realistic and simulating war conditions.
The ministry said in a statement that the “Immediate Combat Readiness” exercises will begin tomorrow, Monday, and continue until Friday, describing them as part of the planned annual joint training of the armed forces.
She added, “The main goal is to train units at various levels to adapt to the combat environment and its practices during the deployment phase.”
She added that the training would enhance the ability to quickly transition from peacetime to wartime and carry out urgent deployment operations.
She explained that the exercises will be carried out with the participation of “actual forces on the ground, in real time, using real equipment, and in a way that reflects a complete practical application.”
The ministry said that the maneuvers will focus on developing command mechanisms and enhancing the combat capabilities of the forces, with special importance given to improving command and control systems in joint operations, supporting logistical supplies, and preparing for the battlefield.
Taiwan says that Chinese armed forces repeatedly carry out operations in the airspace and waters surrounding the island, in an attempt to pressure it to accept Chinese sovereignty. Beijing says the island is part of its territory, which the Taipei government rejects.
Taiwanese forces have begun to rely in some of their training on a scenario that assumes that China turns one of its routine maneuvers around the island into an actual surprise attack.
An upcoming arms deal
In a related development, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, on Thursday, expressed his hope that the United States would agree “as soon as” to an arms sale deal worth $14 billion.
Taiwan relies heavily on American support to deter any potential Chinese attack, and is under intense pressure to increase its defense spending by investing in American companies.
The United States does not officially recognize Taiwan, but maintains informal relations with the island’s government and is legally obligated to provide it with defense capabilities.
Arms sales to Taiwan constitute a point of contention between Washington and Beijing, as China strongly opposes them.
