(CNA file photo)
Taipei, March 1 (CNA) A Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile system has been deployed to the Hualien and Taitung area of eastern Taiwan in response to changes in China's military strategy, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a report unveiled on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Taiwan's armed forces will conduct routine patrols, air force training sessions and joint air-naval exercises, to enhance their ability to protect the fishing rights and safety of Taiwanese fishermen in the South China Sea, provide humanitarian assistance and conduct disaster relief exercises in the area, the ministry said in the report, which was submitted to the Legislative Yuan before Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan (馮世寬) gives a report at the Legislature on Thursday.
The MND report noted that in light of the rapid increase in China's military spending, Taiwan's military is seeking to enhance its combat preparedness through innovations in military maneuvers and training, flexible deployment of military forces and expanded exchanges between the various branches of the armed forces.
To strengthen Taiwan's combined air-naval combat capability, the Air Defense Missile Command, previously under the ministry, has been placed under the Air Force Command to facilitate a more unified air defense strategy.
The ministry also confirmed that (PAC-3) missile systems were moved to the Hualien and Taitung area to ensure Taiwan is better able to defend itself in the event of an attack.
It said that the ministry has adopted a "live-fire" model for military training and drills with the aim of honing the combat strength of troops by simulating real battlefield conditions.
The ministry is also exploring the feasibility of using advanced virtual reality, augmented reality and cloud computing technology in live-fire drills and simulation exercises.
Given the increased importance of cyber warfare, the ministry said it has been working to integrate information technology resources into the operations of military units, to improve their ability to mount damaging cyber warfare offensives.
(By Lu Hsin-hui and Evelyn Kao)
Enditem/AW