Taiwan is beefing up its fighting capabilities on its outlying islands to deter any would-be attacker. On the Matsu Islands, less than 15 kilometers off the Chinese coast, Taiwan’s defense forces flexed their muscles during a recent air defense drill.
Tracer fire lights up the sky over Taiwan’s outlying Matsu Islands. This is a training exercise put on by Matsu Defense Command. Soldiers here simulate taking down aerial targets in the dead of night, during low-visibility conditions.
During the exercise, armored vehicles positioned themselves along Matsu’s coastline. Once the top brass gave the order, it was all out firepower.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, and hasn’t ruled out taking the island by force. As the threat of attack grows more dangerous, Taiwan’s armed forces are training to respond.
The exercise’s goal was to increase soldiers’ weapons proficiency as well as encourage teamwork. With these seasoned men and women on the front line, Taiwan hopes to prove its outlying islands are no easy target.