Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang war games will begin on Friday, lasting for eight days and seven nights, the longest in history.
Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng spoke about the plans in an interview on Monday. He says the games used to last for five to seven days, depending on the circumstances and the planned exercises. He says the games have been extended this year to give the armed forces more time for discussion.
Chiu says that plans to hold the games from April 23-30, were in place before he took office in late February.
Chiu responded on Monday to questions about morale following a mid-air collision on March 22 that killed two F-5E pilots. He says the accident has, to some extent, affected personnel training. He says, though, that the air force will continue working to boost morale.
On Sunday, local media reported that three soldiers have withdrawn from the training following the accident. The air force says the reports are baseless.