Taiwans military held intense Han Kuang drills simulating a Chinese river invasion, using live explosives for the first time. The exercises aimed to boost defense readiness and deter Beijing amid rising threats.

Taiwan took delivery last year of the first 11 of 29 HIMARS units, testing them for the first time in May. With a range of about 300 km, the weapons could strike coastal targets in China's southern province of Fujian on the other side of the Taiwan Strait.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan, >> Taiwan’s military began deploying one of its newest and most precise strike weapons today as part of intensifying drills meant to showcase the island’s determination to resist any Chinese invasion.

Taiwan's military conducted intensive exercises deploying HIMARS rocket systems to demonstrate readiness against possible Chinese aggression. The drills involve strategic maneuvers and simulations under realistic combat conditions.

China claims Taiwan as its own despite Taipei's objections. The United States does not recognize Taiwan's statehood but has political and economic stakes in a peaceful resolution to the decades-long dispute, and is obliged by U.S. law to help Taipei arm itself against a possible attack.