Taiwan began major military drills on Wednesday to test commanders' ability to fight on the fly when enemy movements defy expectations, while temporarily limiting internet access for the first time, senior Taiwan officials said.

Reservists trained with mortars and rifles at a Taipei high school as Taiwan kicked off its 10-day annual Han Kuang war games.

Dozens of reservists carried mortar barrels into position, mounted them on bipods and later drilled with rifles, moving into shooting positions and simulating fire.

Nearby, armoured vehicles waited at traffic lights before driving through the city, while Taipei residents expressed mixed views on the exercises.

The Han Kuang military drills will wrap on August 14.