Taiwan is gearing up for its annual Han Kuang exercises, which this time will focus on countering a possible blockade of the island and maintaining the combat capability of its forces. Recent Chinese exercises will also be considered during the drills.

The Ministry of Defense of Taiwan reported on this, Reuters writes.

China practiced precision strikes and blockades in drills around the island this month staged after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met the U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.

Taiwan’s exercises would be split into two parts – tabletop drills between May 15 and 19, and forces mobilized between July 24 and 28 in live-fire exercises.

The focus will be on combat forces “preservation” and “maritime interception”. That will include using civilian airports and dispersing air assets, as well as disguising forces on the ground.

The naval element will integrate sea, air, and land forces to attack enemy forces and amphibious assault ships, and to protect sea lanes and counter blockade efforts.

It is emphasized that Taiwan is trying to strengthen its defense potential as it is investing in new equipment, long-range missiles, and drones. The Republic of China extended compulsory military service to one year.

As previously reported, Taiwan will receive 400 land-based Harpoon cruise missiles.

On April 7, the Pentagon announced a contract with Boeing to supply anti-ship missiles. Its value is $1.7 billion. Along with the supply of missiles, the agreement includes equipment and other services.