Beijing views the self-governed island as its territory that must be brought under its control, by force if necessary. Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as independent, but are opposed to unilateral change of the cross-strait status quo by force.
On May 23, the PLA launched a two-day blockade drill, surrounding Taiwan from the north, south, and east, as well as its outlying islands, including the defence outposts of Matsu and Quemoy – also known as Kinmen.
The island’s fisheries agency said that to bolster the island’s combat readiness and prepare to repel potential PLA attacks from the sea, the Taiwanese military would mount a series of drills throughout June.
The Eighth Field Command of the island’s army, based in the south, will lead off with a live-fire anti-landing drill on Xishu Beach near the southern city of Tainan on Wednesday. This will be followed by a similar drill by the Sixth Field Command, based in the north, on Zhongfu Beach in New Taipei on June 18.
The Tenth Field Command, based in central Taiwan, will also stage a live-fire anti-landing drill on Caocuo Beach near the central city of Taichung on June 26, the agency said over the weekend. It also warned vessels and aircraft against approaching the exercise areas.
Meanwhile, the Matsu Defence Command will stage 10 live-fire drills near Beigan and Gaodeng, two of Matsu’s tiny islets, from June 26 to 29.
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Taiwan simulates attack from mainland China as island’s military conscripts begin extended service
Taiwan simulates attack from mainland China as island’s military conscripts begin extended service
All of those exercises will involve land-based weapons, including armoured vehicles, anti-tank rockets, and machine guns, targeting the sea, according to the notices.
The island’s navy will also conduct four live-fire drills with ship-launched weapons in waters off the southern city of Kaohsiung on June 12-13 and June 25-26.
Taiwan has increased the frequency of military drills in recent months following a cross-strait stand-off triggered by the drowning of two mainland fishermen during a pursuit by the Taiwanese coastguard in February.
