TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Army conducted live-fire artillery drills in Penghu County in the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday (Aug. 28).

The exercises by the Penghu Defense Command involved the use of 155-millimeter, 105mm howitzers, and 120mm mortars, per CNA. M60A3 battle tanks and M240 machine guns also played a part in Wednesday’s drills.

Officers and soldiers would receive improved knowledge of correct procedures during combat, the military said. The drills are also designed to boost coordination between units to increase the resilience of the defense forces.

The day started with inspections of the ammunition and the weapons systems, followed by rehearsals for the firing of artillery pieces. The Penghu Defense Command emphasized the need for thorough drills during peacetime and the importance of bringing the artillery training to a successful close.

Wednesday’s live-fire drills in Penghu County are just the latest in a series of military exercises spread over various parts of the country in the face of increased aggressiveness by China. Taiwan has been facing almost daily inroads by Chinese military planes into its air defense identification zone (ADIZ), as well as Chinese drills in areas close by.