The Taiwanese Self-Defense Forces began a live drill of Han Guang's live bullets with a script to counter mainland Chinese amphibious assault.

Admiral Hoang Thu Quang, head of the advisory section of the Taiwan Self-Defense Force, opened the Han Quang drill yesterday, which will take place until July 17.

Han Guang is one of the most important maneuvers of the Taiwanese defense forces, including computer simulations and shooting live bullets in many areas of the island.

A military source said the content of the first day of practice simulating the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) missile strike scenario targeting the command center, the airport and the base.

"We are testing the defenses of units in such a scenario and testing the readiness of the reserve forces," the source said.

China considers Taiwan to be a province awaiting reunification and declaring its willingness to use force if necessary, threatening the island to "pay dearly" if pursuing separatism.

Giai Son giant underground air base in Hualien, a strategic location east of the island, plays an important role in the Han Quang exercise, the source said.

Taiwanese surface ships and two submarines were dispatched to the southwestern island of the island to prepare for a counterattack.

The Taiwan Defense Agency said the coast defense force will be tested for capacity during this year's drill.

Several new Taiwanese battalions participated in this year's drills.

During the drill, the Taiwanese Maritime Self-Defense Force will conduct its first torpedo test since 2007. A Taiwanese submarine tomorrow will launch a SUT heavy torpedo aimed at simulating enemy battleships.

Taiwan will hold a 30-minute air strike drill today to test PLA's missile readiness readiness.

The Han Quang rehearsal was held amid increasing tension around the Taiwan Strait.