Taiwan has showcased its sea defences against a potential Chinese attack as tensions with Beijing continue to simmer.
The island’s navy highlighted its Kuang Hua VI fast attack missile boats and Tuo Chiang-class corvettes in waters near Taiwan’s largest port of Kaohsiung, which is a major hub for international trade seen as vital to resupplying Chinese forces
The Kuang Hua VI boats, with a crew of 19, carry Hsiung Feng II anti-ship missiles and demonstrated their capacity to take to the sea in an emergency to intercept enemy ships about to cross the 44-kilometre (24-nautical mile) limit of Taiwan’s contiguous zone, within which governments are permitted to take defensive action.
China regularly sends ships and planes to challenge Taiwan’s willingness and ability to counter intruders, prompting Taiwan to scramble jets, activate missile systems and dispatch warships.
Taiwan yesterday demanded that China end its ongoing military activity in nearby waters, which it said is undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and disrupting international shipping and trade.
were they ever to establish a beachhead on the island.
