TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – In a response to China’s live-fire drills, the military floated barrels containing explosives near the mouth of the Tamsui River in New Taipei, reports said Tuesday.
The tactic, previously displayed during the annual Han Kuang exercises, aims to prevent enemy ships from sailing up the river to Taipei. Experts often mention the area as the most likely point of entry for a Chinese invasion targeting the capital, as the Presidential Office Building is only 22 kilometers away.
The 53rd Engineering Group based in Taoyuan arranged floating platforms on the river Tuesday morning to block traffic, per CNA. The military used the US-made M3 Amphibious Bridge and Ferry System as well as assault boats to complete the mission. The Third Battle Area coordinated the action between land-based stations and the vessels on the river while monitoring the ebb and flow of the river.
The military also emphasized the strategic importance of nearby Bali Beach and Taipei Port in the New Taipei district of Bali. The beach is one of Taiwan’s “red beaches” considered potential sites for an invasion, while an enemy occupation of the port would lead to its use as a bridgehead to land more troops and supplies, experts said.
China conducted massive drills in several areas close to Taiwan on Tuesday. The maneuvers, dubbed “Justice Mission 2025,” include the firing of missiles and the appearance of navy and coast guard ships close to restricted waters.
