Taiwan practices repelling a potential Chinese attack

In June, the Taiwanese military will conduct a series of combat exercises along its coastline and at the Matsu defence post, simulating repelling amphibious and naval attacks by the People's Liberation Army.

Here's What We Know

The drills are scheduled to begin just two weeks after the People's Liberation Army of China launched large-scale military exercises around Taiwan as a "severe punishment" for Taiwan's independence drive.

Beijing views the island as its territory, which must be taken under its control, if necessary by force. Taiwan, however, does not agree to this, and most countries, including the United States, while not recognising Taiwan's independence, oppose unilateral changes to the status quo through brute force.

Fourteen of Taiwan's beaches are seen as potential launching pads if Beijing launches an offensive. Upcoming live-fire exercises will involve land-based weapons, such as anti-tank missiles and machine guns fired at sea.

The Taiwanese navy will also deploy its shipboard weapons in the waters off the southern city of Kaohsiung.

Source: South China Morning Post