Taiwan launches major war games to test command flexibility

Taiwanese military reservists from an infantry battalion of the Taipei City Reserve Brigade take part in combat training in Taipei on Aug 5, 2026. (Photo: AFP/Cheng Yu-chen) 05 Aug 2026 05:09PM TAIPEI: Taiwan began major military drills on Wednesday (Aug 5) to test commanders' ability to fight on the fly when enemy movements defy expectations, while temporarily limiting internet access for the first time, senior Taiwan officials said.The 10-day annual Han Kuang exercise began early in the morning after an underground command centre in Taipei issued the drill order, triggering combat-readiness moves that will include fighter jet dispersals and emergency naval deployments, two senior Taiwan officials briefed on the matter told Reuters.Taiwan will also incorporate for the first time a so-call