On islands key to Taiwan’s defense, troops prepare for a Chinese first strike
For Taiwan, holding Penghu — a strategic cluster of 90 islands and islets — would allow its forces to resist a Chinese invasion fleet heading toward the territory's main island.
Penghu, Taiwan - Taiwanese soldiers recently loaded 105-millimeter artillery shells onto tanks stationed on the Penghu Islands, preparing for potential conflict with China. These islands, a popular tourist spot known for their beaches and coral reefs, lie about 50 kilometers off the southwestern coast of Taiwan's main island. Strategically crucial, Penghu would likely be targeted first in any Chinese invasion attempt, according to senior Taiwanese military officials.
Though primarily a tourist destination, the islands now serve as a critical military base, with thousands of troops training to defend Taiwan in the face of potential aggression from Beijing.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
