Latin American Summary, June 23, 2024.
“We want the soldiers to ask themselves if this is real,” an unnamed Taiwanese official told Reuters.
In Taiwan, the annual ‘Han Kuang’ military exercises began this Saturday and will last for five days. The maneuvers seek to simulate real combat and test the soldiers’ ability to protect the island’s critical infrastructure and communications systems.
“It’s not about scoring points,” an anonymous Taiwanese official told Reuters. “We want the soldiers to ask themselves if this is real,” he added, arguing that China represents a threat to the island government and, therefore, they must constantly review their defense plan.
“The urgency of comprehensive combat training becomes increasingly important,” he commented, indicating that the exercises will be a continuous experience, since “war does not distinguish between day and night.”
The objective of the maneuvers is to confront soldiers with credible combat situations, which do not exclude sudden problems such as breakdowns of military vehicles. “These are the difficulties that can arise in real combat,” the official added.
The first phase of ‘Han Kuang’ took place in April. To be prepared for a scenario where China suddenly turns its drills around the island into an actual attack, Taiwan tested the response to a possible military blockade and an “enemy incursion into the ‘gray zone’.”
Source: RT.
