Taiwan’s military on Thursday carried out a drill to practice stopping an attack from the sea. The exercise focused on how to respond if Chinese forces try to land on the island.
The drill combined different defence tools. These included shore-based missiles, drones, and fast patrol boats. The goal was to show how these forces can work together during an emergency.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to take control of the island. Taiwan’s government has repeatedly said that only the people of Taiwan have the right to decide their future.
Taiwan often holds military drills before the Lunar New Year holiday, which starts next month. However, this was the first time such an exercise was open to the media since China conducted large military drills around Taiwan in late December.
Experts say any attempt by China to invade Taiwan would be very difficult. Chinese forces would first have to cross the Taiwan Strait and then land on a small number of suitable beaches, which are heavily defended.
Thursday’s drill took place near the Zuoying naval base in the southern city of Kaohsiung. The exercise began with troops detecting an unknown boat near the coast. Drones were then sent to check the situation.
After that, Taiwan deployed attack drones and fast patrol boats armed with missiles. Snipers were used to target enemy forces, while locally developed Hsiung Feng anti-ship missiles were launched from hidden mobile units along the beach.
A Marine Corps officer involved in the drill said the exercise showed how different forces could work together quickly and effectively. He explained that the training helped build a strong defence system close to shore.
He added that the drill proved the Navy and Marine Corps could respond in multiple stages and regain control from both the sea and the land.
Under President Lai Ching-te, Taiwan has been focusing on more realistic military training. The aim is to prepare troops for real combat situations instead of rehearsed displays.
Earlier this week, Taiwan’s military also demonstrated how its U.S.-made HIMARS rocket systems could be used. The drills showed how the weapons would respond if Chinese forces tried to use nearby islands as launch points for attacks.
These exercises reflect Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its defences amid rising tensions in the region.
