Taiwan has stepped up military readiness with its annual Han Kuang military exercises, designed to test the island’s ability to respond to a potential Chinese attack.

The drills use live troops, real terrain and military equipment to test command coordination, combat responsiveness and homeland defence capabilities.

Taiwanese authorities say the exercises are aimed at strengthening national defence capabilities and improving coordination between the military and coast guard in the face of external threats.

The annual drills come amid continued tensions across the Taiwan Strait and growing concerns over China’s military pressure on Taiwan.

Taiwan Begins Han Kuang Military Drills to Prepare for Potential Chinese Attack

<p>A former Chinese Navy captain has been arrested after his speedboat illegally entered a harbour in Taipei and triggered concerns, media reports said citing senior Taiwanese officials Tuesday (June 11). It could be for an assessment of Taiwan's ability to detect such intrusions, as per officials who did not rule out such a possibility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the arrest took place on Sunday (June 10) in Tamsui coastal region. The man's boat was captured when he was entering the river leading into Taipei.</p>

<p>The incident comes amid ongoing&nbsp;geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China. Taiwan's is a self-governing island that China claims as its own territory.</p>

<p>Moreover, the coastal regions also serve as strategic locations for military presence and maritime activities, something which often raises concerns about potential conflicts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Head of Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council Kuan Bi-ling, who oversees the Coast Guard, while giving details about the man said that he was "quite refined and well-presented".</p>

<p>Bi-ling also confirmed that the apprehended man was previously a Chinese Navy captain.</p>

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<p>Providing information related to similar incidents in the last one year, Kuan said there have been 18 similar cases, in areas close to the Chinese coast.</p>

<p>“Looking at the accumulated cases in the past, we can’t rule out that this is a test,” she said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Grey Zone' tactics&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo suggested that the incident could be an example of China's "grey zone" tactics.</p>

<p>"Grey zone" tactics against Taiwan refer to a set of strategies and actions that fall short of overt military aggression but are aimed at undermining Taiwan's sovereignty and increasing pressure on the island.</p>

<p>“These grey zone tactics have always existed,” Koo said while adding, “We must always maintain our vigilance and cannot rule out the possibility of taking countermeasures.”</p>

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<p>China's deployment of floating surveillance balloons over the Taiwan Strait has been part of its efforts to monitor and assert control over the strategic waterway.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-prepares-first-line-of-defence-in-taiwan-730795">US prepares first line of defence in Taiwan</a></strong></p>

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<p>The boat entered the Tamsui River and collided with other vessels at a ferry terminal.</p>

<p>The man on the vessel was arrested on suspicion of violating Taiwan's entry and exit laws.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A former Chinese Navy captain has been arrested after his speedboat illegally entered a harbour in Taipei and triggered concerns, media reports said citing senior Taiwanese officials Tuesday (June 11).

A former Chinese Navy captain has been arrested after his speedboat illegally entered a harbour in Taipei and triggered concerns, media reports said citing senior Taiwanese officials Tuesday (June 11). It could be for an assessment of Taiwan's ability to detect such intrusions, as per officials who did not rule out such a possibility. Notably, the arrest took place on Sunday (June 10) in Tamsui coastal region. The man's boat was captured when he was entering the river leading into Taipei. The incident comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China. Taiwan's is a self-governing island that China claims as its own territory. Moreover, the coastal regions also serve as strategic locations for military presence and maritime activities, something which often raises concerns about potential conflicts. Head of Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council Kuan Bi-ling, who oversees the Coast Guard, while giving details about the man said that he was "quite refined and well-presented". Bi-ling also confirmed that the apprehended man was previously a Chinese Navy captain. Also Read | British Judge resigns from Hong Kong's top court, cites 'totalitarianism' Providing information related to similar incidents in the last one year, Kuan said there have been 18 similar cases, in areas close to the Chinese coast. “Looking at the accumulated cases in the past, we can’t rule out that this is a test,” she said. 'Grey Zone' tactics Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo suggested that the incident could be an example of China's "grey zone" tactics. "Grey zone" tactics against Taiwan refer to a set of strategies and actions that fall short of overt military aggression but are aimed at undermining Taiwan's sovereignty and increasing pressure on the island. “These grey zone tactics have always existed,” Koo said while adding, “We must always maintain our vigilance and cannot rule out the possibility of taking countermeasures.” Also Read | Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima and 9 others killed in plane crash China's deployment of floating surveillance balloons over the Taiwan Strait has been part of its efforts to monitor and assert control over the strategic waterway. Watch | US prepares first line of defence in Taiwan × The boat entered the Tamsui River and collided with other vessels at a ferry terminal. The man on the vessel was arrested on suspicion of violating Taiwan's entry and exit laws. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Chinese Navy captain arrested in Taipei harbour, suspected of probing Taiwan’s defences

Two Chinese fishermen have reportedly died after their boat capsized following a chase involving Taiwanese coast guard. The Chinese vessel had entered Taiwan's prohibited waters around a military base.

Gravitas: 2 dead after Taiwanese coast guard chase Chinese fishermen in high sea