Han Kuang 41 Exercise
As Taiwan held its largest-ever drill—Han Kuang 41—Beijing escalated pressure by sending 60 aircraft and 10 navy ships. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense detected these movements at 6 a.m. on July 17. Officials stated that China aims to gather real-time intelligence on Taiwan’s evolving defensive strategies. Of the 58 Chinese aircraft, 45 crossed the median line into Taiwan’s ADIZ in all major directions.
Escalating Military Tensions During Han Kuang 41 Exercise
Importantly, the large-scale intrusion occurred during Han Kuang 41, a ten-day drill running from 9 to 18 July 2025. The exercise focuses on preparing Taiwan to repel a potential full-scale invasion by Chinese military forces. China deployed fighters and surveillance aircraft as Taiwan tested its air and coastal defense systems more intensely.
Chinese aircraft entered Taiwan’s ADIZ to observe radar reactions, air mobilisation, and command system integration under stressful conditions.
Y-8 Spy Plane Provokes Security Alarm Near Dongsha
Just hours before the major incursion, Taiwan’s radar identified a Y-8 reconnaissance aircraft flying 5,000 metres near the Dongsha Islands. Notably, this rarely seen manoeuvre immediately triggered heightened alert levels among Taiwan’s defence forces.
According to Liberty Times Net, the aircraft approached at 7:13 p.m. on July 16, directly threatening control over Taiwan’s southwestern air sector. Although occasional probes near Dongsha have happened before, the timing and altitude this time clearly suggest a calculated provocation. Therefore, the incident appears to be a deliberate attempt to test Taipei’s response capabilities in its more remote defensive outposts.
China’s Grey-Zone Tactics Are Now Routine
Such manoeuvres are no longer isolated. China has consistently employed a pattern of grey-zone tactics since 2022, steadily normalising military pressure on Taiwan. These include near-daily sorties, large-scale air incursions, and persistent naval patrols in contested waters. The current spike mirrors the 153-aircraft display during China’s Joint Sword-2024B exercise in October 2024, followed by another mass crossing on November 29 involving 41 warplanes. The strategic intent is clear: exhaust Taiwan’s military readiness, disrupt public morale, and collect electronic signals intelligence under the guise of routine exercises.
China’s Surveillance Targets Taiwan’s Joint Operations
In 2023 and 2024, Taiwan recorded multiple incursions involving 20 to 60 aircraft on single days. Chinese surveillance peaks around major Taiwanese drills, like Han Kuang, exploiting the opportunity to assess integrated defense operations. In July 2023, Beijing deployed 37 aircraft and seven ships on a single day, mirroring this year’s escalation. These recurring patterns reveal a doctrine of strategic coercion aimed at dominating the Taiwan Strait without resorting to physical force.
Taiwan’s Han Kuang 41 Exercise Tests Invasion Readiness
The 2025 edition of Han Kuang 41 is the most expansive in its history, simulating amphibious landings, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns. Taiwan’s military placed special emphasis on 2027—a year seen by many defense analysts as a potential flashpoint, given it marks the PLA’s centenary and may coincide with a fourth term for Xi Jinping. Moreover, the exercises include the defense of key ports, beachheads, and airfields, as well as maintaining operational continuity during cyber-disruption and disrupted communications.
Air and Cyber Defence Simulations Take Centre Stage
Taiwan’s air force trained extensively in dispersing fighter aircraft and employing its air defense network, including Tien Chien II missiles, to deny access and survive multi-axis air strikes. Cyber defense played a major role as well, with simulations replicating real-world attacks against civilian and military infrastructure. This experience clearly highlights Taiwan’s preparedness not just for kinetic threats but also for hybrid warfare tactics frequently used by China.
Remote Islands and Reservist Forces Mobilised in Force
Notably, Han Kuang drills for the first time stretched across remote territories such as Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. Furthermore, a record 22,000 reservists bolstered Taiwan’s 150,000 active troops.
Although its military is smaller than China’s two-million-strong force, Taiwan prioritises asymmetric warfare and steadfast resilience. Consequently, it fields HIMARS rockets and home-grown anti-ship missiles to blunt any amphibious assault.
US and Japan Condemn China’s Provocations
Consequently, global reactions to China’s moves during Han Kuang 41 emerged swiftly and carried strong diplomatic language. In a statement dated July 5, the US State Department labelled China’s military movements as “illegitimate and irresponsible” and warned that such behaviour threatens peace in the Taiwan Strait. Washington reaffirmed its strategic support for Taiwan, reinforcing its policy against unilateral attempts to change the regional status quo through force.
Similarly, in its 2025 annual report, Japan’s Ministry of Defense described China’s activities as “the greatest strategic challenge”. The document cited increasing Chinese naval operations, sightings of dual aircraft carriers, and long-range bomber flights as indicators of rising threat levels. Japan’s proximity to Taiwan places it on the front line of any regional escalation, making Tokyo’s support critical.
European and Australian Responses Signal Broader Concern
Although the European Union remained silent on Han Kuang 41, earlier statements reflected concerns over China’s coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific. In April 2023, the European Commission warned of serious economic and security risks from growing instability in the Taiwan Strait.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Defence Minister, Pat Conroy, stressed that Canberra would decide its role based on evolving regional circumstances. Moreover, he affirmed that Australia remains deeply concerned about China’s expanding military presence throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Strategic Outlook: Escalation Without Engagement
As Han Kuang 41 concludes, Taiwan has delivered a strong message of operational preparedness and asymmetric resilience. China’s decision to deploy 60 aircraft to shadow the drill marks an escalation in intelligence gathering, intimidation, and strategic messaging. The growing scale and frequency of incursions suggest Beijing’s willingness to pressure Taipei without triggering open conflict. Yet, with growing regional and international support, Taiwan’s deterrence strategy remains credible and focused.
