Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Happy Birthday

Taiwan has been marking its National Day. And for the first time in 16 years, the official ceremony featured a military parade.


Fighter jets - American F16s, French Mirages, and Taiwan's IDFs flew overhead - while military vehicles drove past the presidential offie, carrying missile systems - including some domestically developed advanced missiles.


Some Taiwanese special combat units were also part of the event.


Of course the show of strength is laden with political symbolism. A message to China that Taiwan can defend itself against any military attack. And a message to the public to show that the island is capable of building its own defences.


Protestors - while few- were kept well away from the plaza. Barbed wire, riot police and plenty of road blocks.

2 comments:

abekonge said...

That Taiwanese special units must be the Sexy Force. Now that they are out of the closet, China will most certainly develop a counter, and I can hardly contain myself in anticipation! :-p

caro said...

yes..note the lightly oiled torsoes