TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Navy will conduct a large-scale exercise from Sept. 9 to 24 in waters off southeastern Taiwan.
According to a Fisheries Agency notice, the Navy will carry out live-fire drills against sea and air targets. They are scheduled for Sept. 9–10, 16–18, and 21–24.
No specific weapons were listed, but the notice said fighter jets, helicopters, and reconnaissance drones will be deployed.
The Navy has designated three warning zones. Zone 1 is located in waters east of Taimali in Taitung to Eluanbi in Pingtung. Zone 2 extends from the Taitung–Pingtung border eastward to waters off Green Island and Orchid Island. Zone 3 is situated in waters east of Chenggong and Taimali in Taitung.
In the past three years, the military has deployed a range of weapons during precision munitions live-fire drills, including Hsiung Feng anti-ship missiles and Patriot and Sky Bow air defense missiles, per Liberty Times. Last year, the Kuai Chi attack unmanned surface vessel and Chien Hsiang-series attack drone were unveiled during drills.
The exercise announcement comes two weeks after China held navigation exercises, including communications and at-sea replenishment, with an Indonesian Navy frigate in waters east of the country. Taiwan's foreign ministry condemned the move, saying that China disregarded “international norms and responsibilities” and escalated regional tensions.
There has been an increase in Chinese gray zone and military activities near Taiwan’s eastern waters this year. In late July, Chinese coast guard vessels, the Xiushan and Chongming, were found 280 kilometers and 80 km east of Lanyu, respectively. The Chinese coast guard claimed they were conducting a routine law enforcement mission.
National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said in July that China has deployed a record of more than 110 military and coast guard ships along the First Island Chain.
