TAIPEI (TVBS News) — As the Chinese Lunar New Year approaches, the Republic of China's (Taiwan) armed forces are intensifying their readiness preparations amidst ongoing threats from the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Sniper Chien Pei-hua from the Mechanized Infantry 1st Battalion expressed on Wednesday (Jan. 31) the challenging nature of sniper training, emphasizing the critical role of physical, and mental adjustments, and support among teammates and classmates.
The final drill of the heightened military readiness during the Lunar New Year took place in Taitung, featuring anti-infiltration and special attack countermeasures by the Army's Second Operational Zone.
The drill involved the deployment of drones and tank platoons, aiming for practical combat training.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) detected increased PLA aircraft activities, including flights crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, signaling a potential squeeze on Taiwan's air defense after China announced the adjustment of the M503 flight route.
Despite the tensions, the R.O.C armed forces are steadfast in their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
TVBS reporter Tingting Liu highlighted the dedication of the armed forces in ensuring readiness even during the days leading up to the festive season.
The training included sniper operations, where female snipers, recognized for their expertise and achievements in national defense sniper assessments, played crucial roles.
The Army's drills also involved combat engineers breaching enemy defenses and main force units launching attacks with powerful firepower, underscoring the military's focus on urban warfare training.
In response to the PLA's actions and the heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait, the MND's spokesperson emphasized the importance of halting actions that jeopardize regional peace and security.
The Army's Second Operational Zone, responsible for the defense of Eastern Taiwan, marked the conclusion of the two-day intensified military readiness drills, reiterating the continuous commitment to national defense even during the Lunar New Year.