China has been continuously staging large-scale military exercises around Taiwan. That's why while most people in Taiwan are gearing up for the Lunar New Year, the country's military is doing a different type of preparation. Brendan Wong has the story.
Video script:
Taiwan's military is staging additional drills ahead of the Lunar New Year. The drills are taking place at a new air force base in Hsinchu. These drills are meant to assure Taiwan's public of the country's ability to respond to the increasing number of Chinese military exercises.
The air force is focusing their efforts on Mirage 2000 fighter jet sorties and simulating intercepting enemy planes. Mirage 2000 jets are costly to operate, but the air force says they are indispensable assets protecting the Taiwan Strait.
An air force lieutenant colonel says Taiwan's military units are always on standby and ready to respond to any contingency.
Another pilot says the Mirage 2000 demonstrated superior combat abilities in a simulation against F-16 fighter jets.
Though the new year is a time for reunion and relaxation for most, the military has their priorities focused on defending the country.