Taiwan holds drills in prep for attacks
Taiwan’s military on Tuesday launched a series of combat readiness drills, simulating a sudden enemy attack and rapid countermeasures, amid increased pressure from mainland China, which staged large-scale exercises surrounding the self-ruled island last month.
The three-day drills opened with a joint exercise in Taichung, where mechanized infantry units practiced repelling surprise enemy attacks using unmanned aerial vehicle strikes, coordinated maneuvers and long-range fire support.
The exercise used High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems procured from the United States, showcasing deep-strike capabilities and joint operational capacity, according to the island’s military.
In a separate drill at a military base in Chiayi, the Air Force scrambled F-16 fighter jets. The Air Force said it has a critical mission in air defense operations over the Taiwan Strait in response to threats posed by mainland aircraft.
Regional security risks
Tensions in the Taiwan Strait have risen, with Beijing condemning President Lai Ching-te as a separatist. Observers have warned that any unrest within the Chinese military could heighten regional security risks.
China’s Defense Ministry said on Saturday that Zhang Youxia, the top uniformed officer, and Liu Zhenli, another senior military official, are under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and the law.
Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo said on Monday that the island’s armed forces “cannot afford to relax even for a moment,” as Beijing “has not abandoned the use of force against Taiwan” and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s resolve to achieve unification with the territory “shows no sign of wavering.”
