On Tuesday, August 20, during a live-fire exercise jointly conducted by the Republic of China Navy and Air Force, several air defense missiles were successfully launched. As the military provocations by the Chinese Communist Party in the Taiwan Strait continue to escalate, the Taiwanese military is preparing to respond.
According to reports from the Associated Press, on Tuesday, the ROC military held a live-fire exercise at the Jiàubĕng military base in southern Pingtung, Taiwan, successfully launching multiple missiles.
The missiles launched included Taiwan’s indigenous Tien Kung III air defense missile and the American-made Patriot PAC-2 missile. Additionally, a warship along the coast launched a US-made RIM-66 surface-to-air missile.
ROC Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Sun Li-Fang told reporters on site that the live-fire exercise was highly successful.
“Today, all missiles launched hit their targets successfully, showcasing the significance of two aspects,” Sun Li-Fang said. “One is the solid training of our troops, and the other is the validation of our weapons through this entire process.”
The Tien Kung III missile is a crucial component of Taiwan’s air defense system designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles, while the Patriot PAC-2 missile is a key element in countering aerial threats, including enemy aircraft and cruise missiles.
In recent years, the provocations by CCP fighter jets and warships in the airspace and waters surrounding Taiwan have intensified, leading to escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. This live-fire exercise is part of the ROC’s efforts to strengthen defense capabilities in response to the threat posed by the CCP.
According to the real-time military updates released by the ROC Ministry of National Defense on August 20, as of 6 am local time, there were 5 instances of CCP military aircraft (including one that crossed the median line of the strait into northern airspace) and 11 instances of CCP warships detected, with these military aircraft and warships continuing activities in the vicinity of the Taiwan Strait.
The ROC Ministry of National Defense emphasizes that in response to the frequent disturbances caused by CCP warplanes and warships, the military closely monitors and responds using mission aircraft, ships, and shore-based missile systems.
The Taiwanese Navy and Air Force conduct missile exercises annually to ensure preparedness in response to CCP threats.
These exercises are crucial for testing the military’s ability to respond to potential threats and evaluating the proficiency of personnel in operating radar systems and missile launch procedures.
Amidst the increasing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, the Taiwanese government emphasizes the importance of enhancing defense capabilities and strengthening cooperation with international partners, particularly close cooperation with the United States, to ensure the continued prosperity and stability of the region around the Taiwan Strait.