Officials applaud as Taiwan's "Brave Eagle" Advanced Jet Trainer arrives after its maiden flight at the Ching Chuan Kang Airbase in Taichung on Monday (June 22). Taiwan unveiled a new locally built jet trainer to boost its defence "self-sufficiency" as China has ramped up military activities near the island with an unprecedented frequency. - AFP
TAICHUNG, Taiwan (Reuters): Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday (June 22) oversaw the first public test flight of a new locally designed and made advanced jet trainer, part of her government's plan to boost defences in the face of a growing challenge from China.
Taiwan's armed forces are mostly equipped by the United States, but Tsai has made development of an advanced home-grown defence industry a priority, especially as China, which claims the island as its own, steps up military modernisation efforts.
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