On the 7th of June, Taiwan’s military did something akin to adding fuel to fire by simulating a Chinese airborne assault upon the country’s major air force base at Ching Chuan Kang, and then proceeding to successfully repel the assault across the Taiwan Strait. Part of a five-day live-firing Han Kuang Manoeuvres was Thursday’s air assault featuring the combined forces of air, naval power, and ground infantry, which was all presided over by President of the Republic Tsai Ing-wen.
Soldiers donned red helmets pretending to be the opponent country militia and flew over the militarized regions of Taichung to try and land by helicopter while Taiwanese special troops and tanks were deployed against them. Paratroopers from C-130 transport planes dove to action to repel the simulated assault while air defense missiles and fighter jets rained upon the faux Chinese army. Dozens of drones accompanied the Taiwanese fighters as they scoured the skies providing battlefield surveillance and damaging intricate parts of the other helicopters.
Following the success of the exercise, President Tsai Ing-wen addressed the media and dignitaries confirming the heightened strength of the Taiwanese national army. According to her, Taiwan was now fully prepared to fight back against any opponent attacks to protect its national security and stand behind the values of democracy and freedom still eminent in the country. The President also pointed out that following the success of this exercise, it was now clear that the art of effectively deterring foreign forces and defending its military bases had been now perfected to its utmost.