China carriers spotted near Taiwan as combat readiness drills enter Day 3

China carriers spotted near Taiwan as combat readiness drills enter Day 3

2026-06-24

It’s Day 3 of the military’s combat readiness drills in preparation for a potential Chinese attack. Cloud Leopard armored vehicles were seen speeding through Taipei’s streets at night in a rare sight, while HIMARS, or high mobility artillery rocket systems, took part in the exercises for the first time in Central Taiwan. Coincidentally, two Chinese aircraft carriers loomed in waters close to Taiwan during the drills.

Military Police officers and soldiers drive heavy motorcycles in a simulation of infiltration and harassing attacks by enemy agents. Cloud Leopard armored vehicles speed through the streets of Taipei, guarding the capital’s security.

F-16V fighter jets from Chiayi Air Force Base scrambled into the air, followed immediately by Mirage 2000 jets taxiing at high speed down the runway. To mitigate threat risks, the Air Force dispersed its main fighter fleets. As the National Armed Forces entered the third day of immediate combat readiness drills, the military’s elite combat capabilities were on full display.

Shifting the focus to Central Taiwan, the 58th Artillery Command’s HIMARS missile vehicles made their debut in immediate combat readiness drills, using local terrain and features for cover to reduce the risk of enemy reconnaissance and strikes. The units showcased their rapid repositioning capabilities.

Wellington Koo
Minister of National Defense
Immediate combat readiness drills primarily focus on the ability to respond quickly, rapidly conduct combat readiness preparations and respond to possible emergencies, establishing the necessary speed for peacetime-to-wartime transitions.

During the military exercises, the areas around the Taiwan Strait were not peaceful. Footage showed the PLA aircraft carrier Liaoning being tailed at close range by Japanese Self-Defense Force aircraft and ships. On the evening of June 23, the Ministry of National Defense also announced that the Fujian aircraft carrier had transited the Taiwan Strait. Surveillance photos showed the flight deck was clear of carrier-based aircraft and there were no escorting ships. The presence of two Chinese aircraft carriers near Taiwan is making the region more volatile.

Lin Ying-yu
Tamkang University
It’s unlikely that the CCP will conduct a joint operation with two aircraft carriers. Instead, it will send the Liaoning back to its home port for maintenance and repairs, while sending the Fujian southward for drills, thus maintaining constant pressure on the Philippines in the South China Sea.

Su Tzu-yun
Institute for National Defense and Security Research
The Fujian is very likely heading to the South China Sea to conduct another round of integrated training and formation work with its naval air force’s J-15 and J-35 fighters.

In response to the current tense situation, the military is strengthening its reserve combat capabilities. Starting this year, it has changed the mandatory training period for all reservists to 14 days. A reservist may be called up for a maximum of 56 days. At the same time, the military is also considering amending the law to expand training with the inclusion of discharged women service members.

Wellington Koo
Minister of National Defense
We believe women possess outstanding capabilities and perform exceptionally well in the military. Upon finishing their active service and discharging, I believe they should likewise undergo reservist training. As for amending the law, it is currently under review.

By extending training periods and enhancing combat-oriented courses, the armed forces are employing a two-pronged strategy to ensure the immediate combat readiness of reservists.

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