Posted on 01/17/2017 2:29:37 PM PST by SeekAndFind
Taipei (AFP) - Taiwan began two days of military drills Tuesday simulating an attack by China as the government sought to reassure the public in the face of deteriorating relations with Beijing.
The island's armed forces gathered in central Taiwan for annual drills that saw troops practise combat skills with tanks, attack helicopters and artillery.
"The military has active measures to deal with the situation in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea so the public can rest assured. We will enhance training 365 days a year," defence spokesman Chen Chung-chi said.
Beijing considers Taiwan to be a breakaway province and part of "one China" to be brought back within its fold, by force if necessary.
China has stepped up drills in recent weeks after being angered by an unprecedented call between Taiwan's Beijing-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen and United States president-elect Donald Trump.
The US switched its diplomatic recognition of China from Taipei to Beijing in 1979.
Trump has also riled Beijing by suggesting the "one China" policy could become a bargaining chip in negotiations over trade practises.
The US is Taiwan's most powerful ally and arms supplier.
Tuesday's drill mimicked an attack by China in a scenario where its war vessels have crossed over the middle line of the Taiwan Strait.
Soldiers held positions next to a US-made Avenger air defence missile system during the drill in central Taichung city as special forces moved in formation through woods and a tank set off smoke bombs and crushed a car.
(Excerpt) Read more at yahoo.com ...
I’ve been down the spine of that island by train. Nothing but mountains till you’re near the coast, with deep water ports for resupply at both ends. It would be a tough nut to crack. Chang picked his refuge well.
China will find that Taiwan will not be an easy place to conquer.
China will be cutting her own arm by attacking Taiwan.
This is a tough one because the NeoCon nutjobs are salivating over going to war even more than 0bama is. Wouldn’t be surprised if they’re egging President Xi on.
On the other hand if Beijing hasn’t made their move by now they probably won’t.
RE: On the other hand if Beijing hasn’t made their move by now they probably won’t.
Why would they risk a war and destroy all the investments the Taiwanese have made in China? That would be like cutting off your nose to spite your face.
I don’t know.
Since they have long wanted Taiwan (Formosa) as part of Mainland China and could have attacked all these years, I have to assume they have not for the reasons you just mentioned.
Still, Taipei is conducting these military drills for some reason.
The Chinese Communists have drilled into the head of their population that Taiwan is always and forever theirs, and no price is too great to pay.
I’ve always thought the best policy for Taiwan to follow would be that of the Swiss. Send every recruit home with his battle rifle. Bring them back once per year for updating and training.
Having 5 million armed civilians to subdue would give even the most bloody-minded Communist pause
Taiwanese would never accept that for their society though. They are very soft and they admire the statist, socialist societies of places like Sweden.
From Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscription_in_Taiwan
The Republic of China (Taiwan) has maintained a policy of conscription for all qualified males of military age since 1949. The Taiwanese government used to plan to end it in 2014, but abolishing conscription is quite controversial among Taiwanese society, hence the government has not yet confirmed the abolishing schedule.
Females from the outlying islands within the province of Fuchien, which are geographically closest to mainland China, were also required to serve in a civil defense role, although this requirement has been dropped since the lifting of martial law. Although the majority of all enlisted positions in the ROC Armed Forces have been and are currently filled by draftees, the government intends to gradually expand the number of volunteer soldiers with the eventual goal of forming an all volunteer military. However, even then there will be compulsory basic training for all males reaching 18.
Recent years have also seen an increase in the service options open to draftees, including alternative service with the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), as well as specialized service options for draftees in specific professions. The draft process is set forth under the ROC Military Service Act under the auspices of the MOI’s National Conscription Agency as well as by Article 20 of the ROC Constitution
My wife is from Taiwan. She had to learn how to shoot handguns and rifles during High School PE class. They would bring in active duty soldiers to teach.
The US Navy wanted to by-pass the Philippines and take Formosa instead. MacArthur prevailed, legend has it, because of his ability to persuade President Roosevelt of the need to keep our commitment there. But the fact of the topography of Formosa was an important factor too.
China will also find that their Three Gourges Dam may just spring a leak in any attempt to take Taiwan.
Thanks for the commie propaganda, but Trump has been harder on Chinese military expansion than Obama.
Wow - you really missed my point - or you’re one of the neocon nutjobs I’m referring to.
I didn’t even mention Trump, nor did I allude to what will be his China policy vis-a-vis 0bama. No propaganda there whatsoever.
I hope taking a course in reading comprehension was one of your New Year’s resolutions - you need it.
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