Taiwan says carried out missile drills at key test site
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This marks the first time in more than a decade that journalists were granted access to the sensitive Jiupeng base in southern Pingtung County.
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A US-made MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile is launched during a live fire exercise at the Chiupeng missile base in Pingtung County on August 20, 2024. (AFP)
Taiwan carried out on Tuesday missile drills simulating the interception of enemy aircraft and munitions at a key testing facility, as it aims to bolster its "combat effectiveness" amid tensions with China, which views the self-governing island as part of its territory.
In recent years, US-backed Taiwan has steadily enhanced its defense capabilities, securing major weapons deals and increasing its defense budget to support military reforms and develop indigenous weaponry.
China has made it clear that it will never renounce the use of force to bring back Taiwan under its control.
During the exercise on Tuesday, Taiwan's military launched domestically produced Sky Bow III missiles and US-made Patriot II missiles from its Jiupeng base in southern Pingtung County.
This marked the first time in more than a decade that journalists were granted access to the base, which houses the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, a government-run facility specializing in weapons development.
"All the missiles fired today hit their targets smoothly. So it demonstrates... that the training of our officers and soldiers is very solid," Taipei's Defense Ministry Spokesperson Sun Li-fang told reporters.
The exercise began at dawn with soldiers firing the two types of missiles into the sky, while RIM-66 Standard missiles were launched from a frigate stationed offshore.
Colonel Kao Shu-li, from the Air Force's air defense division, indicated that the main objective of the drill was to improve "the overall combat effectiveness of the force."
"We have the ability, confidence, and determination to defend our country, to defend our airspace," claimed Lieutenant Cheng Yong-ru, who led a battalion during the live-fire exercise.
Separately, on Tuesday, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported that five Chinese aircraft and 11 naval vessels were detected around the island in a 24-hour period ending at 6 am (2200 GMT Monday).
In recent years, Taiwan has complained that China has been engaging in so-called gray zone warfare, which aims to exhaust an opponent without resorting to open combat.
Beijing strongly opposes the United States' arms sales to Taiwan, criticizing Washington for aiding what it perceives as efforts to promote "Taiwan independence" through military strengthening.
China also resolutely opposes the US interference in Taiwan affairs in any way or under any pretext.
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