Taiwan kicks off military drills in face of China threat
TAIPEI: Taiwan kicked off its largest military drills Wednesday with regular troops joined by a record mobilization of reservists for 10 days of training aimed at defending against a Chinese invasion.
The annual 'Han Kuang' exercises, which are being held at the same time as civilian defense drills, will run from July 9-18 and feature newly delivered US high-tech rocket systems. The self-ruled island democracy faces the constant threat of an invasion by China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to seize it. Chinese military pressure has intensified in recent years, with Beijing deploying fighter jets and warships around the island on a near-daily basis. In the lead-up to the drills Wednesday, Taiwan detected 31 sorties by Chinese military aircraft and seven warships around the island in the 24 hours to 6:00 am (2200 GMT Tuesday), according to the defense ministry. Taiwan has boosted defense spending and acquired smaller and more nimble weaponry, including drones, to enable its military to wage asymmetric warfare against its more powerful foe.
Twenty-two thousand reservists — the largest ever call-up — are participating in this year's drills, having begun a training program Saturday. Reservist training includes familiarization with rifles, squad and platoon machine guns, and tactical maneuvers. 'Because these reservists have been discharged and away for a long time, upon return they need to undergo specialty refresher training,' said an army officer who asked not to be named. On Wednesday, reservists wearing camouflage uniforms, helmets and boots were put through their paces, practicing cleaning, assembling and aiming 65K2 rifles and machine guns. Taipei is eager to show the world, especially its key security backer Washington, that it is serious about boosting its military capability. — AFP
The drills will 'let the international community know that we are determined to defend ourselves, and to pass on to China that the nation's military has the confidence and ability to defend a free and democratic life', Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo said recently.
This year's drills have been extended to 10 days and nine nights, from five days and four nights last year. – AFP
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