Taiwan tests air defenses over 'potential threat'

In a brief statement, Taiwan's Air Defense Command said that from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on March 26, it carried out "overall air defense battle plan drills" using a combination of domestically developed Tiangong missiles and US-made Patriot surface-to-air missiles, along with aircraft and naval vessels, according to Reuters.

Patriot missile system in Taiwan

Taipei Times screenshot

Taiwan's air defense command also stressed that the exercise aimed to "test and verify the joint air defense command and control capabilities of the three branches (of Taiwan's defense forces)," and affirmed that the results were "good."

"In the face of frequent intrusions by Chinese aircraft and ships into the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan, the air defense force will continue to strengthen training to deal with potential threats," Taiwan's air defense command said.

Speaking in Suao on Taiwan's east coast, Taiwan Defense Ministry spokesman Sun Li-fang said that while there was no direct link between such annual drills and the current tensions, the threat from China continued to increase.

US admiral warns China is ready for potential attack on Taiwan

"How to enhance our overall military capabilities is very important," Mr. Sun also told reporters.

China considers Taiwan an inseparable part of its territory, and has not ruled out the use of force to "reunify". Meanwhile, the Taiwanese government says only the Taiwanese people can decide their future, according to Reuters.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/dai-loan-kiem-tra-luoi-phong-khong-truoc-moi-de-doa-tiem-tang-185240326102412077.htm