Key facts
- Taiwan President Lai Ching-te participated in annual war games.
- Lai was transported to a command center in an armored personnel carrier.
- The drills simulated government functioning during emergency situations and potential war.
- The exercises are designed to counter potential Chinese "decapitation" strikes.
- China views Taiwan as its territory and has rebuffed Lai's offers for talks.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te participated in annual war games, being transported in an armored personnel carrier to a command center to simulate government operations during an emergency. The drills, known as Han Kuang exercises, are designed to bolster preparations should China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, attempt to take the island by force.
Lai and a group of senior officials were taken to a command center the previous night, with images showing the president in body armor and a helmet entering an armored personnel carrier. His spokesperson, Karen Kuo, stated that Lai and his team conducted drills on commanding defensive operations and maintaining government continuity during emergencies. The exercises aim to review command structures, inter-agency coordination, and emergency response mechanisms to ensure effective government operation under unforeseen circumstances.