Taiwan launched its largest ever military drills on Wednesday, starting with simulated attacks on its command systems and infrastructure ahead of a Chinese invasion, senior defence officials said.

China views the democratically governed island as its own and has intensified military pressure around Taiwan over the last five years. Lai's comments also come ahead of a recall parliamentary election on July 26 that could see his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) take back control of the legislature.

Taiwan debuted its new US-supplied M1A2T Abrams tanks in live-fire drills, showcasing advanced capabilities aimed at deterring a Chinese invasion and enhancing US-Taiwan military cooperation.