Taiwan included its first batch of 38 U.S.-purchased M1A2T Abrams tanks in a live-fire exercise at Hsinchu military base on Thursday, as it launched its annual military exercises intended to guard against Chinese threats.

TAIPEI: Taiwan's army on Thursday (Jul 10) displayed the firepower of its first US-sourced M1A2T Abrams tanks - a traditional weapon that analysts say will need to be increasingly protected against drones in any future battle,

Taiwan launches its largest ever military drills on Wednesday, starting with simulated attacks on its command systems and infrastructure ahead of a Chinese invasion, senior defence officials said.

Taiwan's annual military exercise, Han Kuang, begins on Wednesday as the island ramps up its defence against a possible invasion from China. Billed as the largest and longest one so far, this year's Han Kuang will last for about 10 days, about twice the duration of last year's drill.

Col. Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Defense Ministry, said Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party is exploiting the exercise to get Taiwan residents on board its "Taiwan Independence" war chariot, the Chinese state-supported Global Times reported.

Taiwan kicked off its largest military drills Wednesday with regular troops joined by a record mobilisation of reservists for 10 days of training aimed at defending against a Chinese invasion.This year's drills have been extended to 10 days and nine nights,