Tanks Deployed in Chinese Military Urban Combat Simulation Training... Targeting Taiwan

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is reported to have deployed two types of tanks in a recent simulated exercise, keeping in mind urban warfare scenarios that could occur with Taiwan.

According to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 17th, Chinese state-run CCTV aired a documentary last week showing the deployment of Type 96A tanks and Type 04 infantry fighting vehicles in simulated combat.

SCMP emphasized that these weapons are designed to operate in complex urban environments like those found in Taiwan, indicating that the Chinese military is prepared to engage in urban warfare with Taiwan if necessary.

According to CCTV, the exercise involved a Red Force symbolizing the PLA, composed of 230 soldiers and 30 tanks attacking an urban area, while a Blue Force consisting of 70 soldiers and 6 tanks defended it.

A Taiwanese military expert explained, "The Type 96A tank is suitable for fighting in complex terrains such as Taiwan, which has many rivers, mountains, and bridges," adding, "The Type 04 infantry fighting vehicle is highly mobile enough to cross inland rivers and hills, so it is deployed alongside the Type 96A." However, the expert also noted, "It would be difficult to fully understand Taiwan's terrain through simulated training."

A military expert from Hong Kong analyzed, "CCTV's broadcast of the simulated exercise serves as a warning message aimed at Taiwan's independence forces."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.