Taiwan Drills Runway Repairs 90 Miles From China

Taiwan has conducted military drills to prepare for a potential Chinese invasion, including rapid runway repair exercises and littoral combat drills, as part of its annual Han Kuang exercises. The drills showcased Taiwan's ability to respond to various scenarios, including damage to its airbases and amphibious landing attacks by Chinese forces.

The air force practiced runway repairs and emergency takeoffs at Hsinchu Air Base on Friday, which is about 90 miles from mainland China and is home to Taiwan's 53-strong fleet of Mirage 2000-5s. The drills were part of Taiwan's annual Han Kuang exercise, a simulation of a Chinese invasion.

Taiwan's coast guard vessel, the Bali, an Anping-class frigate, can be fitted with up to 16 Hsiung Feng anti-ship missiles. The country recently received 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks from the US, which were used in the Han Kuang drills.

The People's Liberation Army will conduct joint naval training with Indonesia in waters east of Taiwan, a move that Taiwanese authorities have protested against, labelling it a 'provocation'. The Han Kuang exercises included chemical attack scenarios, live-fire training, and new practices modelled on the US military.

## Why it matters The drills come as tensions between Taiwan and China remain high, with China considering Taiwan a part of its territory. Taiwan's military is preparing for various scenarios, including a potential invasion by China. The country's ability to respond quickly to damage to its airbases and defend against amphibious landing attacks is crucial to its defense strategy.

Taiwan's president, Lai Ching-te, watched the Kuang-6 boats launch a rapid sortie as the Bali held position in Tsoying Port. The exercises demonstrate Taiwan's commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

## What happens next The joint naval training between the People's Liberation Army and Indonesia in waters east of Taiwan is likely to increase tensions in the region. Taiwan will continue to enhance its military capabilities, including its ability to respond to chemical attacks and defend against amphibious landing attacks. The country's annual Han Kuang exercises will remain an important part of its military preparedness and defense strategy.