Taiwan’s Military Exercises Aim to Deter China, Show Ability to Defend, Says Minister

**Taiwan** conducted live-fire drills on Tuesday (April 26), showcasing its ability to defend itself and deter **China** from any attempt to invade, the defense minister said. During an inspection of the drill, Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters that the exercise was aimed at deterring the Chinese military from taking provocative actions. He also said that the exercise served as a warning to China that Taiwan would not tolerate any infringements on its sovereignty. The drills, which were held on the coast of Hualien County in **Taiwan**, simulated a potential attack by **China**. They included the deployment of tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, and combat aircraft. The drills also tested **Taiwan’s** ability to respond to a cyberattack. The exercise came at a time of heightened tensions between **Taiwan** and **China**. **China** has increased its military activity around **Taiwan** this year, and has frequently sent military aircraft and vessels into **Taiwan’s** airspace and territorial waters. In response, **Taiwan** has stepped up its own military preparedness, and has increased cooperation with its allies, including the **United States**. The drills on Tuesday were just the latest in a series of exercises that **Taiwan** has conducted in recent months. In March, **Taiwan** conducted a joint exercise with the **United States** involving fighter jets and warships. **Taiwan** has also been conducting regular drills with its own military forces, including exercises involving amphibious landings and air defense. The drills are a clear message to **China** that **Taiwan** is determined to defend itself and will not be intimidated by **China’s** military threats. They are also a reminder to the **United States** and other allies that **Taiwan** is a key strategic partner in the **Indo-Pacific** region. **Taiwan is a self-governed island that has been de facto independent since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. However, China claims Taiwan as its own territory and considers it part of its .