TaipeicTypeface:> Taiwan on Monday launched a five-day annual drill aimed at testing the island nation’s ability to respond to an invasion by China.

Since 1984, Taiwan has been conducting the annual Han Kuang exercises. According to the Ministry of National Defence, this year’s drill would test Taiwan’s ability to protect critical infrastructure in the capital, Taipei, and enhance key infrastructure resilience nationwide.

Tensions across the Taiwan Strait have risen since presidential and legislative elections were held in January. Days after the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te on May 20, China launched a major military exercise around Taiwan to simulate a blockade.

On Monday, the focus of the Han Kuang exercises was on preserving combat capabilities. (DPA)