Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2017-01-30

The defense ministry says that the recent deployment of air defense missiles along Taiwan’s east coast was to help safeguard the nation.

Chinese fighter jets conducted drills last December right outside Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, a move seen by many as a demonstration of its military prowess. The defense ministry soon afterwards deployed “Patriot” air defense missiles in the Hualien-Taitung valey along Taiwan’s east coast. Many have speculated that the move was a response to a potential Chinese threat.

The Defense Ministry’s spokesman said on Monday that the deployment of any weaponry or forces is to ensure the nation’s safety, and that the ministry has no further comment on the deployment.    [SOURCE]