Taiwan Holds War Games Simulating 'invasion'

Fighter jets, helicopters and thousands of troops in Taiwan fought back a simulated invasion on Thursday as the self-ruled island faces increasing military and diplomatic pressure from Beijing.

Relations between Taipei and Beijing have deteriorated since President Tsai Ing-wen was elected in 2016, as her government refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China".

Live-fire drills began on Monday with troops simulating surprise air and coastal assaults.

Tsai watched Thursday's session of the ongoing "Han Kuang" (Han Glory) exercise from an air base in Taichung.

Thursday's scenario simulated the enemy bombing of an airfield and a paratrooper attack, with air and ground troops deployed to take back the base.

An F-16 fighter flew overhead and deployed flares in a defensive move against heat-seeking missiles. Special operations troops were seen moving to secure a building.

"I have seen our troops' capabilities and I have faith that our troops can achieve the goal of 'solid defence and multiple deterrence'," Tsai said.

The mainland held its own live-fire drills in April in the Taiwan Strait following weeks of air and naval manoeuvres in the area. (AFP)