Taiwan's military trains for a Chinese invasion on the beach
FANGSHAN, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwanese tanks and soldiers fired at simulated Chinese forces and assault helicopters launched missiles in an anti-invasion drill Thursday on a beach on the island’s southern coast.
The live firing was part of annual exercises designed to showcase the military’s capabilities and resolve to repel any attack from across the Taiwan Strait. The Han Guang exercise wraps up Friday.
China and Taiwan split during a civil war in 1949, but China claims the self-governing island as its territory.
Asked about the exercises, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said China would strive for peaceful reunification with Taiwan.
“What should be pointed out is that seeking Taiwan independence is suicide and resorting to force is no way out,” he said.
The simulated response to a Chinese beach landing included fighter jets and missiles launched at targets in the sea.
The Defense Ministry said the joint army-navy-air force operation tested the island’s combat readiness in the face of the Chinese military threat.
___
Associated Press writer Chris Bodeen in Beijing contributed to this story.
The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior to publication. Therefore, it may contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards. It is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
