Latest news with #ChenLian-jia
Newsweek
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Taiwan Deploys HIMARS, Patriot, Stinger Weapons in China Invasion Exercise
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Photos showed Taiwan's military training with several newly acquired U.S.-made defense systems over the weekend during the self-ruled island's largest-scale annual military exercise, now in its seventh day. The systems made an appearance in the densely packed Taipei metropolitan area as part of drills aimed at defending the capital against a potential invasion by China. Why It Matters The 41st Han Kuang exercise is taking place against a backdrop of heightened tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its own and has vowed to unify with it—by force, if necessary. This year's live-fire component is the longest ever, reflecting the seriousness with which Taipei views the threat. The United States is the island's primary arms supplier, though Washington has carefully maintained a policy of "strategic ambiguity" on whether it would come to the island's defense. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Taiwanese Defense Ministry via email for comment. Taiwan's Patriot air defense system is deployed at a park during the Han Kuang drill on July 14, 2025, in Taipei. Taiwan's Patriot air defense system is deployed at a park during the Han Kuang drill on July 14, 2025, in To Know All three weapons systems were seen in public spaces, drawing the attention of onlookers. Patriot missile systems were set up by Taiwan's air force at a riverside park near Taipei Songshan Airport as part of a drill focused on protecting critical infrastructure from air attacks by China's People's Liberation Army, the Liberty Times reported. The missile launchers can be loaded with four Patriot II or sixteen Patriot III missiles. Patriot II is specialized for intercepting enemy aircraft and cruise missiles, while Patriot III is designed for defense against ballistic missiles such as China's Dong Feng 15. Taiwanese troops were also seen across the city carrying U.S.-made man-portable Stinger missile launchers, as well as vehicle-mounted variants, in drills centered on strengthening low-altitude defense during a simulated amphibious landing. 1 of 2 On Saturday, a pair of armored trucks equipped with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)—a precision-guided rocket artillery system primarily used for ground attack—were spotted in the central city of Taichung. HIMARS has demonstrated its effectiveness in Ukraine's defense against Russian forces. Military spokesperson Colonel Chen Lian-jia told the media that it would be critical to conceal the HIMARS from enemy satellites, aerial reconnaissance or even enemy operatives behind the lines until the systems are ready to fire. While the U.S. has begun rolling out several major weapons platforms ordered by Taiwan, the Washington, D.C.-based Cato Institute estimated that $20 billion in backlogged orders remained as of the end of last year. What People Are Saying The Taiwanese Defense Ministry, on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday: "[Defense] minister Wellington Koo inspected the deployment of Republic of China Air Force PAC-2/3 [Patriot Advanced Capability-2 and -3] air defense systems, and the Republic of China Marine Corps air defense exercise. "Troops swiftly completed engagement procedures, defending airspace with twin-launcher and man-portable Stinger missile systems." Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, told reporters last week: "The DPP [Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party] authorities are harming Taiwan out of selfish interests [...] "We solemnly warn the DPP authorities that seeking 'independence' by force is a dead end." What Happens Next U.S. officials, including former Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral Philip Davidson, have said they believe Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered his military to be capable of moving against Taiwan by 2027, though they acknowledged this does not necessarily mean he will give the order on that date. Trump administration officials have said Washington is committed to strengthening Taiwan's "hard deterrence" capabilities, but it remains to be seen whether this will translate into expedited deliveries.
CNA
3 days ago
- Politics
- CNA
Taiwan deploys advanced US rocket systems in annual drills
TAICHUNG, Taiwan: Taiwan's military began deploying one of its newest and most precise strike weapons on Saturday (Jul 12) as part of intensifying drills meant to showcase the island's determination to resist any Chinese invasion. Two armoured trucks with HIMARS - High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems - were seen manoeuvring around the city of Taichung near Taiwan's central coast on the fourth of 10 days of its most comprehensive annual Han Kuang exercises yet. Fire simulation and some live-fire drills are expected next week as more air force planes and naval ships become involved. In a wartime scenario, said Colonel Chen Lian-jia, a military spokesperson, it would be vital to conceal HIMARS from enemy aerial reconnaissance, satellites "or even enemy operatives behind our lines" until the order to fire was given. China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own and has intensified military pressure around the island over the last five years, staging a string of intense war games and daily naval and air force patrols around the territory. Taiwan rejects China's sovereignty claims, with President Lai Ching-te saying only Taiwan's people can decide their future. China's defence ministry said this week the Han Kuang drills were "nothing but a bluff" while its foreign ministry said its opposition to US-Taiwan military ties was "consistent and very firm". Regional military attaches say the HIMARS deployment in a warlike exercise will be closely watched, given that they have been used extensively by Ukraine against Russian forces. Australia has also purchased the Lockheed Martin systems. Taiwan took delivery last year of the first 11 of 29 HIMARS units, testing them for the first time in May. With a range of about 300 km, the weapons could strike coastal targets in China's southern province of Fujian on the other side of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwanese military analysts say the weapon would be used with its locally developed Thunderbolt 2000 launchers so Chinese forces could be targeted as they left port or attempted to land on Taiwan's coast. A Thunderbolt unit was also seen in a park near the HIMARS units. Senior Taiwanese military officials say the Han Kuang drills are unscripted and designed to replicate full combat conditions, starting with simulated enemy attacks on communications and command systems, leading to a full-blown invasion scenario. The drills aim to show China and the international community, including Taiwan's key weapons supplier the US, that Taiwan is determined to defend itself against any Chinese attack or invasion, the officials say.
Al Jazeera
3 days ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Taiwan deploys advanced US rockets in closely watched part of annual drills
Taiwan has begun deploying its newest and most precise strike weapons, high calibre rockets from the United States, as part of its annual live-fire drills to increase the island's ability to counter potential attacks from China. On Saturday, two armoured trucks with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) were seen manoeuvring around the city of Taichung near Taiwan's central coast, on the fourth of 10 days of the Han Kuang exercise, its most comprehensive annual exercise, according to the Reuters news agency. Military spokesperson Colonel Chen Lian-jia said it would be crucial to conceal the HIMARS from enemy aerial reconnaissance, satellites, 'or even enemy operatives behind our lines' until the order to fire was given. China considers Taiwan its own province and has long threatened to use force to bring it under Beijing's control. Over the past five years, China has increased pressure around the island, staging a string of intense war games and daily naval and air force patrols around the territory. Earlier this week, China's Ministry of National Defense said the Han Kuang drills were 'nothing but a bluffing and self-deceiving trick'. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that its opposition to US-Taiwan military ties was 'consistent and very firm'. On Thursday, Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te said the exercises were being conducted based on 'large-scale, realistic combat drills'. Last year, Taiwan received the first 11 of the 29 HIMARS units, testing them for the first time in May. The weapons, which have a range of about 300km (190 miles), have the potential to strike coastal targets in China's southern province of Fujian on the other side of the Taiwan Strait. While the United States, Taiwan's biggest supplier of imported defensive weaponry, is bound by law to consider threats to the country as a 'major concern', it remains unclear if Washington, DC, under President Donald Trump's administration, would deploy forces to counter a possible Chinese attack. Reuters reported, quoting unnamed senior Taiwanese military officials, that the drills were unscripted and designed to replicate full combat conditions, starting with simulated enemy attacks and invasion scenarios. The drills aim to show China and the international community, including the US, that Taiwan is determined to defend itself against any Chinese attack, the officials said.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Taiwan deploys advanced US HIMARS rockets in annual drills
TAICHUNG, Taiwan: Taiwan's military began deploying one of its newest and most precise strike weapons on Saturday, ahead of live-fire drills meant to showcase the island's determination to resist any Chinese invasion. Two armored trucks with HIMARS – High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems – were seen maneuvering around the city of Taichung near Taiwan's central coast on the fourth of 10 days of its most comprehensive annual exercises yet. The live-fire portion of the Han Kuang drills is expected next week. In wartime, said Col. Chen Lian-jia, a military spokesperson, it would be vital to conceal HIMARS from enemy aerial reconnaissance, satellites 'or even enemy operatives behind our lines' until the order to fire was given. China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own and has intensified military pressure around the island over the last five years, staging a string of intense war games and daily naval and air force patrols around the territory. Taiwan rejects China's sovereignty claims, with President Lai Ching-te saying only Taiwan's people can decide their future. China's defense ministry said this week the Han Kuang drills were 'nothing but a bluff' while its foreign ministry said its opposition to US-Taiwan military ties was 'consistent and very firm.' Regional military attaches say the HIMARS deployment in a warlike exercise will be closely watched, given that they have been used extensively by Ukraine against Russian forces. Australia has also purchased the Lockheed Martin systems. Taiwan took delivery last year of the first 11 of 29 HIMARS units, testing them for the first time in May. With a range of about 300 kilometers, the weapons could strike coastal targets in China's southern province of Fujian on the other side of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwanese military analysts say the weapon would be used with its locally developed Thunderbolt 2000 launchers so Chinese forces could be targeted as they left port or attempted to land on Taiwan's coast. A Thunderbolt unit was also seen in a park near the HIMARS units. Senior Taiwanese military officials say the Han Kuang drills are unscripted and designed to replicate full combat conditions, starting with simulated enemy attacks on communications and command systems, leading to a full-blown invasion scenario. The drills aim to show China and the international community, including Taiwan's key weapons supplier the US, that Taiwan is determined to defend itself against any Chinese attack or invasion, the officials say.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Taiwan deploys advanced US HIMARS rockets in annual drills
Taiwan -Taiwan's military began deploying one of its newest and most precise strike weapons on Saturday, ahead of live-fire drills meant to showcase the island's determination to resist any Chinese invasion . Two armoured trucks with HIMARS - High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems - were seen manoeuvring around the city of Taichung near Taiwan's central coast on the fourth of 10 days of its most comprehensive annual exercises yet. The live-fire portion of the Han Kuang drills is expected next week. In wartime, said Colonel Chen Lian-jia, a military spokesperson, it would be vital to conceal HIMARS from enemy aerial reconnaissance, satellites "or even enemy operatives behind our lines" until the order to fire was given. China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own and has intensified military pressure around the island over the last five years, staging a string of intense war games and daily naval and air force patrols around the territory. Live Events Taiwan rejects China's sovereignty claims, with President Lai Ching-te saying only Taiwan's people can decide their future. China's defence ministry said this week the Han Kuang drills were "nothing but a bluff" while its foreign ministry said its opposition to U.S.-Taiwan military ties was "consistent and very firm". Regional military attaches say the HIMARS deployment in a warlike exercise will be closely watched, given that they have been used extensively by Ukraine against Russian forces. Australia has also purchased the Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) systems. Taiwan took delivery last year of the first 11 of 29 HIMARS units, testing them for the first time in May. With a range of about 300 km (190 miles), the weapons could strike coastal targets in China's southern province of Fujian on the other side of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwanese military analysts say the weapon would be used with its locally developed Thunderbolt 2000 launchers so Chinese forces could be targeted as they left port or attempted to land on Taiwan's coast. A Thunderbolt unit was also seen in a park near the HIMARS units. Senior Taiwanese military officials say the Han Kuang drills are unscripted and designed to replicate full combat conditions, starting with simulated enemy attacks on communications and command systems, leading to a full-blown invasion scenario. The drills aim to show China and the international community, including Taiwan's key weapons supplier the U.S., that Taiwan is determined to defend itself against any Chinese attack or invasion, the officials say.
