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KINMEN COUNTY, TAIWAN - JULY 14, 2025: A live ammunition drill was conducted on Monday, July 14, in Kinmen County, Taiwan, as part of the annual Han-Kuang military exercise.This year’s Han Kuang exercise, considered the largest and longest so far, began last week and is set to span approximately 10 days.The exercises focus on "response to gray-zone harassment," "joint anti-landing operations," and "resilient defense on the island," with many US weapons making their debut during the drill,The drills on Monday took place at a beach located approximately 3 kilometers from mainland China.The operation involved a coordinated display of firepower, combining howitzers, cannons, tanks, armored vehicles, and ground troops.Live fire was carried out across Kinmen Island and 11 nearby islets under Taipei's administration.Military officials described the exercise as an “annihilation drill,” intended to test the readiness and response capabilities of Taiwan's forces in the event of a potential invasion by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).China considers Taiwan a breakaway province, whereas Taipei insists on its independence.In response to the drills, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that Beijing’s stance “on opposing military ties between the US and Taiwan region is consistent and very firm.”Mao told a live-streamed news conference that “Taiwan’s efforts to seek independence through force will not get through.”Earlier, China also said the Taiwanese drill is nothing but a “self-deceiving trick" played by the island.(Footage by Daniel Ceng/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)