In response to heightened military and political pressures from Beijing, Taiwan conducted its first-ever military drill at Taoyuan International Airport. The exercise took place on Wednesday and briefly suspended commercial traffic as soldiers practiced defending the airport against a simulated attack by China.
The military drill is part of Taiwan’s week-long “Han Kuang” (Han Glory) drills, an annual event that includes extensive wargames. This year’s drills have expanded to include the protection of civilian airports in light of the escalating tensions with Beijing.
The move by Taiwan to fortify its key infrastructure reflects the growing concerns over potential threats from China. Analysts have noted that Taiwan is drawing from the experiences of countries like Ukraine during the Russian invasion of Crimea, as it seeks to bolster its defense capabilities in the face of Chinese aggression.
These exercises signify Taiwan’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and security, particularly in the face of increased military and political pressure from China. The situation continues to be closely monitored by the international community, given the importance of stability in the region.