Story perspectives

Taiwan Launches Five-Day Combat Readiness Drill Amid Chinese Threat

6/24/2026

Center

Taiwan Tests Combat Readiness

Taiwan’s drills are modeled on a scenario where a routine Chinese exercise could suddenly become an actual attack.
Taiwan’s military began a five-day Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise on Monday, running through Friday, according to Ministry of National Defense.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo said the drills test Taiwan’s ability to respond time shrinks.
China sent aircraft and naval vessels near Taiwan while Raymond Greene affirmed U.S. defense support.

Left

Taiwan Live-Fire

Armored vehicles from Taiwan’s 269th Infantry Brigade rolled through Taoyuan streets, turning a transport hub into a live-fire training zone.
Taiwan’s military conducted a live-fire readiness exercise in Taoyuan, deploying the 269th Infantry Brigade’s armored vehicles.
China’s People’s Liberation Army sent 23 aircraft, seven ships and five vessels toward Taiwan.
President Lai Ching-te hopes President Donald Trump will approve a $14 billion arms sale for Taiwan.

History

Historical Context

The 1995-96 Taiwan Strait Crisis began with PLA missile launches on 21 July 1995 and saw the United States dispatch carrier groups while the PRC massed 100,000 troops in early 1996. That show of force cemented Taiwan’s reliance on U.S. security guarantees, a legacy echoed today as Defense Minister Wellington Koo deploys the 269th Infantry Brigade in a combat-readiness drill against PLA aircraft.

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Taiwan Tests Combat Readiness

Taiwan’s drills are modeled on a scenario where a routine Chinese exercise could suddenly become an actual attack.
Taiwan’s military began a five-day Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise on Monday, running through Friday, according to Ministry of National Defense.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo said the drills test Taiwan’s ability to respond time shrinks.
China sent aircraft and naval vessels near Taiwan while Raymond Greene affirmed U.S. defense support.

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