Taiwan says it is determined to defend itself as China vows to boost combat readiness

TAIPEI/BEIJING, June 28 ------ Taiwan is determined to defend itself and protect its free way of life, the island's defense minister said on discussing next month's annual exercises, as China's military vowed to boost combat readiness to stop "separatist" activities.

China, which views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up its military threats over the past five years, staging several rounds of war games and sending its forces into the skies and waters near the island on a daily basis.

Speaking to a committee set up by President Lai Ching-te to boost resilience in the face of a possible Chinese attack, Defense Minister Wellington Koo outlined Taiwan's annual Han Kuang exercises which start next month.

The military drills will begin with rehearsals to counter potential "high-intensity grey zone incursions" from China evolving into an assault, and Taiwan's armed forces will practice repelling a Chinese landing, Koo said.

New High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, made by Lockheed Martin, will be used at Han Kuang for the first time, along with Taiwan-developed Sky Sword surface-to-air missiles, he added.

Source: msn.com