With a number of countries claiming sovereignty over islands in the South China Sea, the area is a hotbed of tension in the Asia-Pacific region. Taiwan’s military wants to be sure it’s prepared for all eventualities.
Bullseye! A rocket from a Taiwan-made Kestrel rocket launcher finds its target. These weapons are built for repelling seaborne invasions and disrupting enemy battle formations. And they will soon be making an appearance at military exercises on Taiwan’s Pratas Island.
China has repeatedly claimed the island in the South China Sea. And it’ll be the site of a routine live-fire training drill by Taiwanese forces on September 5 and September 12.
Ruling party lawmaker Tsai Shih-ying says it’s not just China. Other countries in the region also claim sovereignty over the island.
It’s not just this tiny island that the exercises are preparing to defend, though. Taiwan expert Ian Easton says an attack on Taiwan’s main island would likely target the port at Taichung. He says it’s easier to land troops at a port than on a beach and Taichung has a number of strategic advantages.
Military analyst Su Tzu-yun says the port is close to the middle of Taiwan. It also has a large area nearby where enemy troops could quickly disembark and take up position.
Experts say commercial ports are the best spots to land. So for Taiwan’s security, keeping control of the harbours is a top priority.