Taiwan kicked off its biggest annual military exercises on Monday, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine heightened fears that Beijing could do the same with the democratic island.
This year, the maneuvers “Han Kuang“(Glory of Han), lasting five days, incorporated the lessons of the ongoing conflict in Europe, simulating “all possible actions“that China may undertake to invade Taiwan, according to the Ministry of Defense.
Beijing threatens to annex the neighboring democratic island of Taiwan, which it considers part of its territory to be taken back by force if necessary.
On Monday, during a drill to deny enemy access to the capital Taipei, reservists armed with machine guns ran through sandy trenches dug under a bridge before moving into firing position.
Stinger missiles, effective against helicopters and low-flying planes, have also been deployed in some high-rise buildings in the area, he added.
These portable missiles were of great help to the Ukrainian forces against the army in Moscow.
At the same time, the streets of several cities in the north of the country emptied for half an hour as part of a civilian exercise simulating an air raid. Pedestrians and cars were banned from driving after sirens and text message alerts signaled simulated missile attacks.
Taiwan’s relations with Beijing have been frosty since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016, deeming the island a sovereign nation and not part of China.
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