Taiwan Begins Five-Day Military Drills in Response to Chinese Pressure
Taiwan launched five-day military exercises on Monday, with tanks and armored vehicles patrolling Taoyuan's streets to test combat readiness in the event of a potential Chinese attack.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense announced the start of five-day military exercises on Monday, aimed at enhancing the island's defensive capabilities. In Taoyuan, which hosts the largest international airport, residents witnessed tanks and armored vehicles moving along city streets and highways. Units of the Army's 269th Infantry Brigade conducted combat readiness patrols, simulating rapid deployment.
The drills are based on the principle of "real-time, live-fire, and on-site" operations, designed to test the ability to respond to sudden escalation that China might carry out using so-called gray zone tactics. This approach includes aggressive actions such as naval patrols and drone flights, but not direct combat.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, from Sunday to Monday morning, China dispatched 23 aircraft, seven naval vessels, and five other ships near Taiwan. China regularly conducts such activities, considering Taiwan as its territory and not ruling out the use of force to bring it under control.
These are not the first drills of this kind – in June, Taiwan already conducted missile tests, firing them towards China. The new exercises also include improvised scenarios, including real-time responses to Chinese military activities.
