Taiwan’s military trains for a Chinese invasion on the beach

FANGSHAN, Taiwan – Taiwanese tanks and soldiers fired at simulated Chinese forces and assault helicopters launched missiles in an anti-invasion drill Thursday on a beach on the island’s southern coast.

The live firing was part of annual exercises designed to showcase the military’s capabilities and resolve to repel any attack from across the Taiwan Strait. The Han Guang exercise wraps up Friday.

China and Taiwan split during a civil war in 1949, but China claims the self-governing island as its territory.

Asked about the exercises, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said China would strive for peaceful reunification with Taiwan.

“What should be pointed out is that seeking Taiwan independence is suicide and resorting to force is no way out,” he said.

The simulated response to a Chinese beach landing included fighter jets and missiles launched at targets in the sea.

The Defence Ministry said the joint army-navy-air force operation tested the island’s combat readiness in the face of the Chinese military threat.

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Associated Press writer Chris Bodeen in Beijing contributed to this story.