Taiwan’s patrol guard is planning to hold another live-fire drill on Dongsha Island next Tuesday. That’s after it held a similar drill there on Monday, the first day China began its month-long military exercises in the South China Sea.
Dongsha Island, located in southwestern Taiwan, is Taiwan’s territory. It’s about 444 kilometers from the southern city of Kaohsiung. The drills are aimed at simulating an attack from China amid escalating tensions in the region.
The archive video footage underlines the importance of military preparedness in the face of China’s aggression. The defense ministry said Chinese aircraft has flown across the median line of the Taiwan Strait several times in the past few years.
China’s incursions have prompted the government to review its reserve force. To begin with, there is not enough manpower. Although there are enough weapons for the infantry and equipment for engineers, they’re not properly equipped. Chemical equipment is either outdated or insufficient. There’s also not enough telecommunications equipment and military doctors.
In a phone interview, Tamkang University Professor Alexander Huang said the lack of personnel and equipment has been a long-term problem. He said setting up a reserve mobilization unit would be a good move.