NECESSITY OF DRILLS
Military experts said the drill was necessary because Taoyuan Airport is just 3km from Zhuwei beach, a potential landing point for the PLA.
“If the international airport was seized, the enemy would move into the second phase of assault or replenish supply to further expand its attack (so it’s important to conduct this defence drill),” said senior analyst at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research Su Tzu Yun.
“This airport drill would help Taiwan’s air force to use the runways as backup for military aircraft to take off and land.”
Taiwan has increased its military spending by 14 per cent this year to US$18.8 billion amid escalating tensions across the strait. But China’s military budget is more than 10 times higher than the island’s.
Analysts said asymmetric warfare – a form of irregular warfare where combatants are not from regular military forces – could be the key in making up for Taiwan’s gaps.
“Taiwan must have the capability of asymmetric warfare in order to prolong the (potential) war and protect our land, allowing other countries to supply aid to the island,” said Mr Arthur Wang, spokesman for the Asia-Pacific Elite Interchange Association.
Mr Su said that the Taiwan strait will geographically help with the island’s defence.
“With modern missile technology, it will give Taiwan the chance to build up its advantage both on air and at sea to stop the attack from the enemy,” he added.
Despite such capabilities, analysts said the best way to resolve cross-strait issues is through peaceful dialogue.