TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Navy has deployed its mobile anti-ship missile launch vehicles in response to China's military exercises around Taiwan.

Monday afternoon (Oct. 14), the Ministry of National Defense (MND) released videos showing combat readiness preparations, emphasizing their close monitoring of activities in surrounding waters. The footage showed the Haifeng Brigade deploying mobile missile and radar vehicles to designated tactical positions. 

The Navy's Ming Chuan (PFG-1112) frigate was dispatched to a designated area for combat readiness and surveillance tasks.

The Haifeng Brigade, equipped with Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles, will soon integrate the Harpoon Coastal Defense System (HCDS) launch system purchased from the US, per CNA. To strengthen sea control capabilities, the military is establishing new bases for the Haifeng Brigade in Yunlin, Tainan, Zuoying, Pingtung (two locations), and Taitung, some of which are still under construction.

In case of a threat, these mobile missile units can rapidly move to coastal areas to safeguard territorial security.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command on Monday announced large-scale exercises around Taiwan. 

The MND criticized Beijing for "exacerbating cross-strait tensions" through its "irrational provocative actions" and had disclosed the movements of the Liaoning carrier strike group the previous day. Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) and Chief of the General Staff Admiral Mei Chia-shu (梅家樹) headed an emergency meeting, instructing all military personnel to remain vigilant, enhance monitoring efforts, and coordinate with the Coast Guard Administration and other agencies.

Additionally, aircraft and naval vessels have been ordered to respond to enemy threats under the military's rules of engagement (ROE).