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AFP
Taiwan on Tuesday conducted a missile launch exercise simulating the interception of enemy equipment and fighter jets at a sensitive test site on the self-governing island as part of its efforts to strengthen its “preparedness” against China.
The army launched domestically made Tien Kung 3 missiles and American Patriot 2 missiles from Jiuping base in the southern province of Pingtung. For the first time in more than a decade, journalists were allowed access to the base, which is home to the country’s Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology, which is dedicated to weapons development.
“All missiles fired today hit their targets as planned,” Defense Ministry spokeswoman Sun Lifang told reporters. “This shows … that our officers and soldiers are very well trained.” Soldiers fired both types at dawn, while another “RIM 66 Standard” model was launched from a frigate near the coast.
Cao Shuli, a colonel of the Air Force Defense Division, explained that the exercise was mainly aimed at improving the “overall combat readiness level” of the Taiwan military. Lieutenant Cheng Yongru, the battalion commander who participated in the exercise, confirmed that “we have the ability, confidence, and determination to defend our country and our airspace.”
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry confirmed that five aircraft and 11 Chinese ships had been spotted around the island in the 24 hours to 6am local time (22:00 GMT Monday).
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