Taiwan's Han Kuang 42 live-fire drills began on the 5th, running for ten days and nine nights, mobilizing about 20,000 regular and reserve forces. International media reports indicate that defense cooperation between Taiwan and the United States has become both transparent and institutionalized.
BBC Chinese notes that this year's exercise focus is no longer limited to traditional "anti-landing" operations, but extends to deep defense and sustained operations, emphasizing "military-civilian integration," and expands to urban defense and resilience training.
Following the more frequent appearance of US military or US-side observers at last year's Han Kuang exercises, it is expected that even more US personnel will participate this year, signaling that Taiwan-US defense cooperation is increasingly moving toward transparency and institutionalization.
The Han Kuang exercises have been held since 1984, formerly known as the "US-Taiwan Joint Military Exercise." After Taiwan and the US severed diplomatic ties, the exercises have been held independently by Taiwan. The US military's training of troops in Taiwan has long been a sensitive issue, and both sides have deliberately maintained a low profile in the past, but in recent years, the presence of US military or US observers at the exercises has become increasingly frequent.
Dr. Su Tzu-yun from Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research told BBC Chinese that this year's large-scale mobilization of reserve forces is itself part of strategic communication with the United States. After the Han Kuang exercises, a jointly formed Taiwan-US "AAR" (After Action Review) will be held, during which the US military will share combat experience.
Voice of America points out that one of the highlights of this year's Han Kuang exercises is the exchange and cooperation between the US and Taiwan.
Radio Free Asia's report likewise focuses on Taiwan-US defense cooperation. Some of those suspected of being advisors—either retired or even active US military personnel—are jokingly referred to as "English teachers" in news reports or on social media forums.