NEW DELHI: Taiwan's military has conducted a nighttime drill to defend and potentially seal off a strategically important bridge as part of its annual Han Kuang exercises, highlighting the island's preparations for a possible Chinese attack.

Troops rehearsed securing the newly opened Danjiang Bridge, a key chokepoint in northern Taiwan that could provide a direct route towards Taipei if seized by an invading force. Soldiers deployed barbed wire, sandbags and temporary barriers during the exercise while maintaining limited public access to the bridge.

The drill is part of Taiwan's 10-day Han Kuang military exercises, which are designed to test the island's ability to respond to a range of scenarios, including a potential Chinese invasion. This year's exercises place greater emphasis on realistic battlefield conditions, rapid decision-making and the ability of frontline commanders to operate independently.

Taiwanese forces are also testing measures to maintain government operations and civilian resilience during a conflict, including simulated communications disruptions and emergency mobilisation. President Lai Ching-te has participated in drills designed to test the continuity of government during wartime.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly refused to rule out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and has continued to strengthen its military preparedness amid growing cross-Strait tensions.

The latest bridge exercise underscores Taiwan's focus on protecting critical infrastructure and preventing an attacking force from gaining rapid access to the capital region.