“There is no reason to panic. Today, Taiwan, democratic, free and prosperous, is the result of the courage and determination of our nation. We united and we stood in resistance together,” said the leader in a message addressed to soldiers before the start of the exercise.
Exercises will be simulate the complex attacks of the Chinese armyincluding troops on the island. The Taiwanese army will practice a series of counterattacks using aviation and war ships, trying to repel the enemy's strength. “We show clearly that we are ready to defend,” said General Tung Chih-Hsing, exercise coordinator during a press conference in Taipei.
In parallel with military exercises, civil defense simulations will take place. People will face rocket alarms, they will take part in evacuation, and in large cities, including in Taipei, business activity and movement will be temporarily suspended.
Taiwan authorities say that all this is necessary for the population to know exactly, how to react in the case of a real attack.
For now, the Chinese Taiwan office has not issued any official statement.
