Taiwan showcases anti-aircraft mettle

Combat-ready: Soldiers demonstrating a Tien-kung lll anti-aircraft system to the media at an airbase in Hualien, Taiwan. — Reuters

HUALIEN: Taiwan’s air force showcased its anti-aircraft capabilities, saying they were ready for action 24 hours a day as the democratically governed island faces sustained pressure from Chinese military drills.

China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has been carrying out exercises around the island after a visit this month by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was followed by five US lawmakers on Sunday and Monday.