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| Ray Ting 2000 (File Photo) |
By BENJAMIN YEH
PENGHU, TAIWAN — Taiwan staged its biggest live-fire drill since 2008 Wednesday in an operation involving more than 7000 troops that simulated a Chinese attack as its leader warned of Beijing’s arms build-up.
The operation, part of a five-day round-the-clock annual exercise code named “Han Kuang 29” (Han Glory 29), took place on the Penghu Islands in the middle of the 180-kilometer (110-mile) strait separating Taiwan from the Chinese mainland. A cross-military force involving the army, navy and air force was carrying out drills aimed at preparing a defense of the strategically important islands from a surprise Chinese attack.
Taiwanese officials said the operation involved a test of the Ray Ting 2000, or “Thunder 2000,” multiple-launch rocket system designed to prevent the enemy from making an amphibious landing.
President Ma Ying-jeou, who initiated Taipei’s much-touted detente with Beijing, said the live-fire exercise was a reminder of the lingering threat from China.
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