Taiwan's Military Drills Disrupted by Typhoon Gaemi

A typhoon caused the cancellation of air force drills off Taiwan's east coast, although naval and land exercises continued elsewhere. The island faced adverse weather with Typhoon Gaemi bringing strong winds and the cancellation of some flights and ferry services. Military exercises are ongoing with safety adjustments.

A looming typhoon led to the cancellation of air force drills off Taiwan's eastern coast on Tuesday. However, naval and land exercises persisted in other areas of the self-governing island, which remains under the threat of invasion from China.

The 5th Tactical Mixed Wing of Taiwan's Air Force announced the cancellation due to adverse weather conditions. The Central Weather Bureau reported that Typhoon Gaemi was moving westward toward Taiwan with sustained winds of 144 km/h (about 90 mph) and gusts reaching up to 180 kph (110 mph). As a consequence, ferries and some domestic flights were also cancelled, according to Taiwan's Central News Agency.

Sun Li-fang, a military spokesperson, stated that the annual Han Kuang military exercises would proceed with necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment. Some sea and air exercises would be modified due to the weather. This year's drills come after Lai Cheng-te was elected president, maintaining the Democratic Progressive Party's near decade-long governance, which rejects Beijing's demands to recognize Taiwan as Chinese territory.

(With inputs from agencies.)