Taipei: Taiwan's defense command held its first night-time live-fire exercises on Thursday, aimed at preparing the military for potential threats from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) during nighttime operations.

The exercise took place in the Wide area, located in the southern part of Penghu County on the main island. Officials from the Taiwan Defense Command explained that the drills were designed to simulate actions the PLA might take during a surprise invasion under the cover of darkness.

The exercises welcomed media attendance and included aerial, naval, and ground simulations in low-light conditions. Ground operations featured CM-21 armored vehicles and M60A3 tanks, with soldiers using weaponry and night-vision gear to enhance visibility. Live ammunition was fired along the beaches to prepare for a possible land assault by the PLA.

To simulate an aerial invasion involving unmanned aerial vehicles, the army deployed flares to light up the night sky while firing 120-millimeter mortars into the air.

Naval simulations included scenarios in which the PLA navy might enter Taiwan's waters disguised as fishing vessels, prompting the army to fire from land to sea. In light of the live-fire drills, the Coast Guard Administration informed local fishermen and boat operators about the exercises occurring in the waters near Wude.

The drills were conducted at 18 different locations, with over 32,000 rounds of various types of ammunition being fired. Army officials noted that one of the most challenging aspects of conducting exercises at night was managing sand blown by strong winds and the visibility issues inherent to nighttime operations.

Earlier this week, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te reassured the public of the government's commitment to protecting Taiwan's democracy and national security amid extensive military exercises by China around the island. His statements followed a high-level national security meeting called in response to the PLA's announcement of military drills named "Joint Sword-2024B" in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas. These exercises were described as a "stern warning" to advocates of Taiwan independence.

Taiwan has been self-governing since 1949, but China views it as part of its territory, insisting that reunification is unavoidable, even if it requires the use of force.

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