Formosa News
Date: 2018/04/18
China conducted live fire drills over the waters of Quanzhou Bay in Fujian Province today, which some have linked to recent changes in the schedule of Taiwan’s military drills. A more intense-than-usual drill program has been observed at Chih Hang Air Force Base in Taitung recently, despite cancelation of some exercises on Taiwan’s outlying islands today. The National Defense Ministry denies stepping up preparations for combat and says everything is routine.
Chinese state media reported that military live fire exercises would be conducted today off the coast of Fujian.
But while the People’s Liberation Army tested its mettle, just 60 kilometers away on Kinmen Island, things were unusually quiet, with the firing exercises of Taiwan’s military suspended, and gates shut, while soldiers took care of routine tasks.
By contrast, yesterday rumbles filled the air over Kinmen and Matsu Islands, as a series of live fire drills took place. But today Taiwan’s outlying islands were eerily quiet, with drills scheduled to take place on Penghu also cancelled. [FULL STORY]
