Amped-up drills and new U.S. tanks have added bite to President Lai Ching-te’s Taiwan-is-a-country lecture tour.

Taiwan's annual military exercise, Han Kuang, begins on Wednesday as the island ramps up its defence against a possible invasion from China. Billed as the largest and longest one so far, this year's Han Kuang will last for about 10 days, about twice the duration of last year's drill.

China has imposed export controls on eight companies tied to Taiwan’s military as the self-ruled island began annual military exercises. China’s Commerce Ministry added eight Taiwan-based