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The News Lens
Date: 2019/01/17
By: TNL Daily News

Taiwan to hold live-fire drills to deter China

Taiwan’s military is holding its first live-fire drill of 2019 today, shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping refused to rule out the possibility of using force to unify Taiwan and China in his Jan. 2 speech.

Major General Yeh Kuo-hui (葉國輝) previously said the drills are aimed at “defending against a possible Chinese invasion,” adding that the military will practice new drills and training routines to incorporate defense tactics designed to repel Chinese forces.

Taiwan’s defense ministry says the drills, which follow a regular schedule and have been planned for months, are not a direct response to Xi’s speech.

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), in a Tuesday visit to the Army Defense Command in Hualien and Taitung, said her administration vows to adapt to the changing cross-Strait climate, mentioning Xi’s reiteration that using force against Taiwan remains an option.
[FULL  STORY]