Beijing, August 14, 2026: China’s Defence Ministry on Friday dismissed Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang military exercises as a “wasteful charade,” accusing the island’s government of deliberately stoking fears of war.

The 10-day military drills, which concluded this week, were designed to prepare Taiwan for possible Chinese military action. The exercises included scenarios such as breaking a maritime blockade, responding to attacks and, for the first time, dealing with disruptions to mobile internet services.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Chen Xi said the drills amounted to posturing and accused Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party of “recklessly” creating war panic and preparing civilians for a potential conflict.

Chen said the People’s Liberation Army remains on high alert and is prepared to counter what Beijing describes as “separatism” and foreign interference, while safeguarding China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, meanwhile, defended the country’s defence preparations. He said that although the exercises had ended, efforts to strengthen Taiwan’s military capabilities and the resilience of society would continue.

Taiwan has repeatedly rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims and maintains that the island’s future should be decided by its own people. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control, although Beijing says it prefers peaceful reunification.

The latest exchange comes amid continued military activity by China around Taiwan, keeping tensions high across the Taiwan Strait.