Taiwan military drill simulates Chinese attack on airport

HUALIEN (AFP) - Taiwan held a military exercise on Wednesday simulating an attempt by rival China to seize an airport in the east, one of the most crucial military establishments in the area, officials said.

Hundreds of soldiers and a fleet of main battle tanks were mobilised in the drill at Hualien airbase, while F-16 fighters were scrambled, air force officials said.

Ties between China and Taiwan have improved significantly since Beijing-friendly Ma Ying-jeou became the island's president in 2008, vowing to adopt a non-confrontational policy towards the mainland.

Ma was reelected in January last year for a second and last four-year term.