Taiwan President says military's combat abilities improved because of China's continued military drills

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen praised the island nation’s military for its preparedness amidst tensions in the region. Tsai said the Taiwanese military’s combat abilities improved thanks to the continued military drills Beijing has been carrying out near the island.

In her remarks at the Hualian air base on the east coast of Taiwan Tuesday, Tsai said the military’s combat preparedness has improved because of repeatedly scrambling to ward off Chinese forces in the recent military drills. Tsai said that the situation around the Taiwan Strait continues to be tense and the threat remains.

“In the face of challenges, our national military has calmly responded to the enemy’s intents at intrusion and have tenaciously defended the country’s security,” said Tsai, in a transcript of her remarks released by the presidential office.

“I believe that after this period of combat readiness missions, our national military’s combat skills are more mature and its combat power is more powerful.”

The Taiwanese military is carrying out two days of military drills starting Tuesday around Hengchun in the southern region of the island. The drills will be featuring the Apache helicopters, Ching-kuo Indigenous Defense Fighters, artillery, and drones. Tsai has also been overseeing the modernization of Taiwan’s military and has made increasing defense spending a priority.

Defense will be the theme of Taiwan’s national day on October 10, with the slogan “You and me join together to protect the land and defend the country,” according to organizers. Tsai will oversee a military parade and give remarks on that day.

Taiwan has repeatedly rejected China’s claims of sovereignty over the democratically-governed island.

Also Tuesday, Taipei extended its condolences to Beijing following an earthquake that hit its Sichuan province, adding that it was prepared to deploy rescuers to assist as a sign of goodwill. 46 people were killed in the earthquake.

The Taiwanese fire department also said that it has assembled a team of 40 people, one search dog, and five tons of equipment that is ready to leave if given instructions.

China did not say whether overseas rescue teams were allowed to assist in search and rescue operations.