Despite improved ties with China, Taiwan won’t let guard down: Ma

Focus Taiwan
Date: 2015/09/10
By: Elaine Hou

Taipei, Sept. 10 (CNA) President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) said Thursday that Taiwan will not let its guard down and will remain committed to maintaining its self-defense capabilities, even though ties across the Taiwan Strait have improved to the point that they are the most stable in 66 years.

He made the remarks after observing artillery forces in an anti-amphibious landing exercise earlier in the day that simulated an attempt by Chinese forces to land on the shores of Hsinchu in northern Taiwan, as part of the annual Han Kuang series of military exercises.

While addressing the 800 participating soldiers and officers, Ma said that since he took office in May 2008, his administration has been pushing for peaceful development in the Taiwan Strait.     [FULL  STORY]