Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
FANGSHAN, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwanese tanks and soldiers fired at simulated Chinese forces and assault helicopters launched missiles in an anti-invasion drill Thursday on a beach on the island's southern coast.
The live firing was part of annual exercises designed to showcase the military's capabilities and resolve to repel any attack from across the Taiwan Strait. The Han Guang exercise wraps up Friday.
China and Taiwan split during a civil war in 1949, but China claims the self-governing island as its territory.
Asked about the exercises, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said China would strive for peaceful reunification with Taiwan.
"What should be pointed out is that seeking Taiwan independence is suicide and resorting to force is no way out," he said.
The simulated response to a Chinese beach landing included fighter jets and missiles launched at targets in the sea.
The Defense Ministry said the joint army-navy-air force operation tested the island's combat readiness in the face of the Chinese military threat.
___
Associated Press writer Chris Bodeen in Beijing contributed to this story.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
![modal](https://img.ksl.com/slc/2548/254870/25487033.jpg)