TAIPEI--Taiwan on Wednesday launched annual military exercises intended to guard against Chinese threats to invade, including using so-called “gray zone tactics” deployed by China that stop just short of open warfare.

Chen criticized the DPP administration for persisting in its stance on "Taiwan independence", inciting cross-Strait confrontation, wasting resources, and promoting a "militarization of the entire populace". He accused the administration of dragging the Taiwan people onto the "Taiwan independence" bandwagon, escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan has launched its largest-ever military drills intended to counter Chinese invasion threats. The annual 10-day Han Kuang exercises began on Wednesday and included the use of "gray zone tactics" deployed by China. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said the exercise will draw in the army, navy and air force, backed by 22,000 reservists.