A simulated Chinese invasion was seen in Taiwans Taoyuan International Airport on Wednesday for the first time ever as the islands military conducted an anti-takeover drill to fend off any possible attack from Beijing, media reports said.
The drill was designed to test the Taiwanese militarys cross-branch coordination and emergency response capabilities during a simulated Chinese invasion, the Ministry of National Defense previously was quoted as saying by CNN.
With military helicopters in the sky and soldiers on the tarmac, the drill at Taiwans busiest international gateway reflects how Taipei is preparing for multiple scenarios in the face of fears over Chinas increased military intimidation concerns which have amplified since Russias invasion of Ukraine began last year.
At Taoyuan on Wednesday, soldiers wearing red helmets to mark themselves as simulated infiltrators engaged in a shootout drill with airport police, the American news channel reported.
During the act, firefighters tried to put out simulated fires.
Military choppers simulated flying over the airport and deploying enemy troops on the tarmac. As they approached an airport building, they exchanged fire along the way with the Taiwanese military defending the facility and those hiding in makeshift covers.
The drills, which lasted for 30 minutes, wrapped up as the Taiwanese military practiced clearing out residual enemy forces, brandishing Taiwans flag in the end to signify their simulated successful defense of the airport, reports CNN.
Airspace control measures were imposed during the drill, with planes temporarily prohibited from landing or taking off, a Taoyuan International Airport spokesperson told CNN.
There was no major impact on passengers after the airport adjusted schedules for eight flights, the spokesperson added.
