Taiwan practices combat readiness for potential Chinese attack

Taiwan is set to conduct a five-day military exercise starting Monday, designed to test its combat readiness in the face of escalating threats from China. The drill, announced by the island's defense ministry, is a component of a broader military modernization effort aimed at preparing for realistic Chinese attack scenarios. This move comes shortly after China sent 21 military aircraft, including fighter jets and surveillance planes, into Taiwan's air defense identification zone, prompting Taiwan to scramble its own fighter jets in response.

The exercise, dubbed "Immediate Readiness Exercise," will simulate various aspects of defense against a potential Chinese invasion. Taiwan has been increasingly vocal about China's military intimidation tactics, which include frequent air and naval maneuvers around the self-governing island. Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Adding to the island's defense concerns, Taiwan is awaiting the release of a $14 billion arms deal with the United States. Taiwan's top diplomat in the U.S., Alexander Yui Tah-ray, emphasized the necessity of these weapons for self-defense and survival during a crisis. However, the deal has been stalled due to concerns raised by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has questioned the agreement despite broad congressional support. Trump's discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the arms sale have fueled anxieties about its potential cancellation, a move that China, predictably, opposes.