By Fabian Hamacher and Ann Wang
JIUPENG, Taiwan (Multibagger) - Taiwan displayed its missile capabilities on Tuesday, launching a series of surface-to-air missiles at a test site in a remote area of the island's southeastern coast.
Taiwan, a democracy that China claims as its own, has raised concerns about increased Chinese military presence as Beijing asserts its sovereignty, prompting Taipei to enhance its defense capabilities.
Missiles play a crucial role in Taiwan's defense strategy, with a mix of U.S.-made and locally-developed missiles.
At the Jiupeng base in Taiwan's Pingtung County, both U.S.-made Patriot and Taiwan-made Sky Bow III missiles were test-fired at dawn, while a naval vessel fired RIM-66 Standard missiles.
"Today's missile launches have successfully hit their targets, showcasing the high level of training of our soldiers and the effectiveness of our weapon systems," said Defense Ministry spokesperson Sun Li-fang.
"Overall, we have met our objectives," he added during a rare visit to the base.
Jiupeng is also where the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology tests new missiles, including a longer-range version of the Hsiung Feng designed for targets in China.
Taiwan's government rejects China's territorial claims, emphasizing the right of the island's people to determine their future.
Analysis:
The article highlights Taiwan's demonstration of missile capabilities amid rising tensions with China. Taiwan's strategic missile tests, involving both U.S.-made and domestically-developed missiles, aim to bolster deterrence against Chinese military activities. The successful missile launches underscore Taiwan's military readiness and defense strength. The location of the test site and the development of new missiles reflect Taiwan's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty. The rejection of China's claims emphasizes Taiwan's pursuit of self-determination. Overall, the article underscores the importance of Taiwan's defense preparations in the face of regional challenges.