Beijing Criticizes Han Kuang Exercise as Pretentious; Chinese Defense Ministry Mocks Lai Qingde for 'Fake Defense, Real Escape'

Taiwan's military recently conducted the 'Han Kuang 42' exercise. In response to this annual event, Chinese media questioned the Chinese Defense Ministry on April 14 about President Lai Qingde's演练 of a wartime escape route, incidents such as tank parts falling off, fighter jets veering off runways, and simulated communication slowdowns and internet outages.

According to the South China Morning Post's report quoting Defense Ministry spokesperson Chen Xi, Taiwan's so-called 'Han Kuang Exercise' has always been a pretentious and wasteful farce, and this year (2026) has further exposed Lai Qingde's cowardly nature of 'fake defense, real escape.'

Chen added, 'The DPP authorities recklessly create war panic, accelerate turning cities into battlefields, and force civilians to the front lines, undermining social stability in Taiwan and harming the safety and well-being of ordinary people. We warn the DPP authorities: the dead end of Taiwan independence cannot be won or changed through exercises.'