During escalating cross-strait tensions, the Republic of China (ROC) Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, under the Lanyang Regional Command, staged a military exercise on February 7, 2025. The drill simulated the defense of Yilan’s critical port facilities in northeastern Taiwan, underscoring Taiwan’s steadfast commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities against potential Chinese aggression.
Strategic Drill in a Key Location
The exercise focused on a hypothetical attack on port infrastructure in Yilan, a strategically vital region in northeastern Taiwan. Yilan is under the jurisdiction of the Lanyang Regional Command, which is a component of the 6th Army Corps and is responsible for the defense of northern Taiwan. This geographical positioning is of paramount importance due to its proximity to the Taiwan Strait, the narrow body of water separating Taiwan from mainland China and a significant flashpoint in the ongoing cross-strait dynamics.
By choosing to simulate a port defense scenario, the Taiwanese military underscored the critical importance of safeguarding its essential infrastructure. Ports are vital arteries for Taiwan’s economy, facilitating trade, logistics, and the supply of basic goods. A successful attack on these facilities could devastate the island’s economy and hinder its defense capabilities. The drill serves as a clear signal of Taiwan’s proactive approach to anticipating and countering potential threats to these crucial assets.
2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion: Forging a Mobile Defense
Central to the battalion’s operational capabilities are the CM-21 Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs). These locally developed vehicles provide crucial mobility and protection for infantry personnel, enabling swift movement across the battlefield and offering a secure platform for troops in contested zones. Complementing the APCs are the formidable M60A3 Patton main battle tanks. While these tanks are not the newest in global arsenals, their 105mm rifled guns deliver substantial firepower, capable of engaging both offensive and defensive targets effectively. This combination of APCs and tanks provides the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion with a balanced and impactful combat capability.
Individual soldiers within the battalion are equipped with the T91 assault rifle, a domestically produced firearm recognized for its reliability and accuracy. For aerial defense, the unit is armed with FIM-92 Stinger man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS). These shoulder-fired missiles offer a critical layer of protection against low-flying enemy aircraft and the increasingly prevalent threat of drones, ensuring the battalion can operate effectively even under aerial attack.
Escalating PLA Activity: A Backdrop of Rising Tensions
The timing and location of this defensive exercise are particularly noteworthy against the backdrop of intensifying military activity by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) around Taiwan. Early 2025 has witnessed a marked escalation in PLA operations, signaling a strategic shift in the region. Just the day before this drill, on February 6, 2025, the PLA deployed a significant concentration of assets near Taiwan, including six balloons, nine military aircraft, and six warships within 24 hours. This represented one of the most substantial displays of Chinese military presence in recent months.
Furthermore, recent satellite imagery has revealed that China is building new mobile piers. These piers are believed to be designed to enhance China’s amphibious assault capabilities, potentially facilitating a future invasion of Taiwan. These developments are not isolated incidents but rather part of a broader pattern of increased military pressure exerted by China on Taiwan. This includes frequent incursions into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), naval exercises in the Taiwan Strait, and large-scale military drills simulating blockade and invasion scenarios.
In October 2024, the PLA conducted “Joint Sword-2024B,” a series of extensive military exercises encircling Taiwan. These exercises clearly demonstrated China’s growing military capabilities and signaled its willingness to exert pressure on Taipei. Such maneuvers are widely interpreted as part of a deliberate strategy to intimidate Taiwan and undermine its defensive posture, compelling it to concede to Beijing’s demands for unification.
Taiwan’s Resolve: Defense as Deterrence
In response to this mounting pressure, Taiwan has demonstrably prioritized the reinforcement of its military preparedness. Regular drills, such as the one conducted by the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, are a cornerstone of this strategy. These exercises are designed to refine response times, enhance operational effectiveness, and ensure that Taiwanese forces are ready to meet potential threats head-on. Focusing on strategic locations like port facilities is a key aspect of this preparedness, ensuring that critical infrastructure, vital for both civilian and military operations, remains secure.
Taiwan’s proactive defense strategy is rooted in the understanding that a credible defense capability serves as the most effective deterrent against potential aggression. By consistently demonstrating its readiness and resolve, the ROC Army aims to safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty and contribute to regional stability in the face of persistent and evolving challenges. The drill in Yilan is a tangible example of this commitment, signaling to domestic and international audiences that Taiwan remains vigilant and determined to defend its way of life.
