Taiwan stages military exercises aimed at China

HSINCHU, Taiwan – Taiwanese troops have practiced overtaking Chinese commandos landing at their base in a simulated air attack during an annual military exercise.

During Thursday's drill at Hsinchu Air Base near Taipei, the troops were acting under the cover of tanks and helicopters firing dummy rounds and non-lethal missiles.

The five-day maneuvers have also involved troops warding off simulated Chinese amphibious landings along Taiwan's coast.

For the third year in a row, the exercises did not involve any live fire, partly a reflection of improving ties with China. The two sides split amid civil war in 1949.

Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has stressed the importance of a solid defense, noting the Chinese have not renounced the use of force against the island.