Taiwan Military Drill Stages Chinese Invasion Attack

Newsweek
Date: 8/8/2020
By: Matt Keeley

Tensions mount between China and Taiwan as both countries sent military units to the South China Sea this week.

Satellite images appear to show Chinese amphibious armored vehicles and mobile missile launchers gathering near the South China Sea, according to News.Com.Au. At the same time, Taiwan has sent about 200 marines to its military outpost on the Pratas Islands, according to Hong Kong newspaper South China Morning Post. The Pratas Islands are controlled by Taiwan. However, China also claims the islands as part of its territory, and calls them the Dongsha Islands.

The satellite images show the vehicles moving to coastal Chinese cities across from Taiwan, and the missile launchers are in range to hit any Taiwanese targets, according to News.Com.Au. The website cites an article by Kanwa Asian magazine defense editor Andrei Chang saying that the PCL191 rocket launchers deployed to the area "are able to destroy all military bases and government buildings on the island accurately."

Though Taiwan has sent marines to the Pratas outpost, Taiwanese military experts tell the Morning Post that if China were committed to taking the islands by force, it would be difficult to defend the base as there are no natural barriers. It's also difficult for Taiwan to send reinforcements quickly, due to its location.    [FULL  STORY]