Typhoon prompts cancellation of Taiwan air force drills but naval exercises set to continue

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The arrival of typhoon Gaemi prompted the cancellation of air force drills off Taiwan’s east coast on Tuesday, although naval and land exercises are set to continue in other parts of the self-governing island democracy, which China threatens to invade.

The Air Force 5th Tactical Mixed Wing announced the cancellation, citing adverse weather conditions.

According to the Central Weather Bureau, Typhoon Gaemi is heading westward toward China after bringing moderate flooding to Taiwan's east coast. Major cities such as Kaosiung, Tainan, Taichung and the capital Taipei were spared any major damage.

Military spokesperson Sun Li-fang said the annual Han Kuang military exercises are on track to continue with adjustments to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment, although some sea and air exercises would be altered due to the weather.

This year's drills follow the election of Lai Cheng-te as president, who continues the Democratic Progressive Party near-decade in power. The party rejects Beijing's demands that it recognize Taiwan as a Chinese territory.

Taiwan's military has long relied on support from the United States, but has in recent years reinvigorated its domestic arms industry, producing submarines and training aircraft that compliment upgraded weapon systems purchased from abroad.

Taipei and the surrounding regions also held a regularly scheduled air raid drill Tuesday afternoon, with sirens sounding, vehicles parking and pedestrians clearing the streets to enter buildings and metro stations as they would in the event of an air attack from China or a natural disaster.

Troops were also deployed to the port of Tamsui, a key entryway to Taipei's river system which a motor boat from China entered last month. The boat went apparently undetected by radar and other security systems in what was seen as a test of Taiwan's capacity to respond to covert missions by the Chinese military.