Breaking News: Taiwan’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion Drills for Port Defense Amid Ongoing China Tensions.

According to information reported on the Taiwan Defense News Tracker X account, on February 7, 2025, the Republic of China (ROC) Army's 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, under the Lanyang Regional Command, conducted a military exercise simulating a response to an attack on port facilities in Yilan, northeastern Taiwan. The drill underscores Taiwan's ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities in light of continued tensions with China over the island's sovereignty.
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Taiwanese soldiers from the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion conducted a military exercise in Yilan, simulating the defense of port facilities amid ongoing tensions with China. (Picture source: X account Taiwan Defense News Tracker)

The 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the Taiwanese army is an essential component of the Lanyang Regional Command, which falls under the jurisdiction of the 6th Army Corps responsible for Northern Taiwan, including Yilan. This region holds strategic importance due to its proximity to the Taiwan Strait, a focal point in cross-strait military dynamics. The simulation of a port defense scenario highlights the military's preparedness to counter potential threats to Taiwan's critical infrastructure, particularly as China continues to escalate its military presence in the region.

As a mechanized infantry unit, the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion is equipped with a range of combat vehicles and advanced weaponry designed to ensure rapid mobility and effective defense. The battalion operates CM-21 Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), locally developed vehicles that provide enhanced mobility and protection for infantry forces. These vehicles are crucial for quick deployment and maneuverability in combat situations. Additionally, the unit is supported by M60A3 Patton main battle tanks, which, with their 105mm rifled guns, offer significant firepower for both offensive and defensive operations.

For individual combat readiness, the battalion’s infantry personnel are armed with T91 assault rifles, a gas-operated, magazine-fed firearm known for its reliability and accuracy. To counter potential aerial threats, the unit is also equipped with FIM-92 Stinger man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles that provide an essential layer of protection against enemy aircraft and drones.

The timing and location of this exercise are particularly significant given the ongoing military activities of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) around Taiwan. In early 2025, China has notably intensified its military operations, reflecting a strategic escalation in the region. On February 6, 2025, the PLA deployed six balloons, nine military aircraft, and six warships near Taiwan within a 24-hour period, marking one of the most significant concentrations of Chinese military assets in recent months. Satellite imagery has also revealed China’s construction of new mobile piers, which could enhance its amphibious assault capabilities, potentially facilitating an invasion of Taiwan. These actions are part of a broader pattern of increased military pressure on Taiwan, including frequent air and naval exercises, as well as the expansion of military infrastructure aimed at strengthening China’s power projection capabilities.

In recent years, China has also intensified its incursions into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and conducted large-scale military drills simulating blockade and invasion scenarios. In October 2024, the PLA carried out "Joint Sword-2024B", a series of military exercises around Taiwan, showcasing its growing capabilities and signaling its willingness to exert pressure on Taipei. Such maneuvers reflect China’s broader strategy to intimidate Taiwan and undermine its defensive posture.

Taiwan, in response, has been reinforcing its military preparedness, with regular drills aimed at improving its response time and operational effectiveness against potential threats. The 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion’s recent exercise in Yilan exemplifies this commitment, ensuring that key strategic locations, such as port facilities essential for logistics and supply chains, remain well-defended.

As cross-strait relations remain tense, Taiwan’s military continues to enhance its readiness, strengthening its deterrence against potential aggression. The ROC Army’s proactive defense strategy demonstrates its resolve to safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty and maintain regional stability in the face of persistent challenges.