Taiwan stages military drill in waters off Kaohsiung naval base

Kaohsiung, Jan. 9 (CNA) Taiwan's military on Thursday offered the public a glimpse into its routine naval patrols with a drill simulating an emergency response to approaching Chinese vessels.

The drill off Kaohsiung's Tsoying Harbor was part of the Ministry of National Defense's customary exercises before the Lunar New Year to reassure the public of its capability to defend the country during the holiday.

The Navy dispatched two Tuo Chiang-class corvettes, the Wan Chiang and the Hsu Chiang, as well as four Kuang Hua VI-class missile boats in a simulated response to Chinese warships approaching waters off Taiwan's southwestern shores.

Meanwhile, missile vehicles from the Navy's Hai Feng Group rolled into formation, standing by on a shore to provide the naval ships with backup.

The ships, traveling at a speed of over 20 knots, simulated firing missiles at enemy ships before returning to the Tsoying Harbor for replenishment.

Commander of the 192nd Flotilla Major General Chen Ming-feng (陳明峯) said Thursday's drill was close to the Navy's routine patrols countering almost daily "gray zone" activities by People's Liberation Army ships around Taiwan.

The Navy will continue refining its drills so they more closely approximate wartime scenarios, Chen said.

The Navy also demonstrated the maneuverability of the first of its Da Wu-class rescue and salvage ship by rotating the ship, shooting its water cannons, and releasing a diving bell in the harbor.

The ship, delivered to the Navy by contractor CSBC Corp in Oct. 2024, is set to be officially commissioned this year, Chen said.