Taiwan's Han Kuang Wargames: US Influence and Military Cooperation

Deepening Ties and Strategic Collaboration in the Face of Regional Dynamics

Taipei, April 15 – The Ministry of National Defense (MND) in Taiwan remained tight-lipped regarding reports suggesting US involvement in the ongoing Han Kuang wargames.

According to reports, retired United States Army General Robert B. Abrams is reportedly advising Chief of the General Staff Mei Chia-shu (梅家樹) during the computer-aided portion of the Han Kuang wargames.

The computer simulations, which began on April 5, are a crucial component of the annual Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan's largest-scale military drills. These drills also incorporate combat-related exercises.

Chieh Chung (揭仲), a researcher from the Association of Strategic Foresight, observed that the presence of a US advisor indicates a deepening of military exchanges between Taiwan and the US, suggesting strategic coordination. However, he noted that it's still a long way from a joint combat scenario, which hasn't happened in roughly half a century.

When asked for comment, the MND simply stated that military exchanges between Taiwan and the U.S. are proceeding as planned.

Earlier this year, a similar situation arose when the MND's Military News Agency released a photo of a tabletop exercise. The photo included a name tag referencing "J5 Maj. General," a term referring to the Joint Staff J5, responsible for strategic planning. It was reported to be Major General Jay M. Bargeron.

The MND, at the time, also chose not to comment and later replaced the photo with an alternative version without the name tag.