Taiwan's military has launched an exercise aimed at repelling a simulated Chinese invasion.
Taiwanese officials said Wednesday some 2,000 soldiers are taking part in the drill, which simulates an airborne assault on the island's main air force base.
The exercise takes place in the wake of a recent U.S. military report warning that Beijing's fast-growing military strength could pose a threat to the region.
The Pentagon report said Beijing has between 650 and 730 missiles aimed at Taiwan, and that the rapidly-modernizing Chinese military threatens to tip the balance of power in China's favor.
Since their split amid civil war in 1949, China has claimed ownership over Taiwan, and recently passed laws authorizing an invasion of the island if it moves toward independence.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.