Taipei, Sept. 10 (CNA) President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) observed artillery forces in an anti-amphibious landing exercise Thursday that simulated an attempt by Chinese forces to land on the shores of Hsinchu in northern Taiwan, as part of the annual Han Kuang series of military exercises.

Ma, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces, inspected the drill that incorporated 18 8-inch M110 self-propelled howitzers and 20 M109 self-propelled 155mm howitzers.

A total of 304 shells were fired during the drill to fend off enemy ships attempting to make a landing. The drill, held at a military front in Hsinchu County, was open to the media.

Addressing the 800 participating soldiers and officers after the drill, the president lauded their performance, describing the drill as having been conducted successfully.

Although cross-Taiwan Strait relations are at their best in over 60 years, Ma said Taiwan will not let its guard down and will remain committed to its self-defense.



Thursday's drill was part of the second stage of the "Han Kuang 31" series of military exercises taking place Sept. 7-11, simulating an attack from China.

The war games include live-fire drills and see the Army, Navy and Air Force test their joint operations in the face of continued military threat from China. They follow computer-aided war games held in May.

(By Elaine Hou)
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