Taipei - President Ma Ying-jeou said Wednesday he does not rule out holding peace talks with China, but stressed that Taiwan must boost its defences in any event.
Ma made the statement after supervising a military drill in Pingtung County, east Taiwan, the first war game he has watched since taking office on May 20.
A total of 1,686 troops took part in the live-fire drill, which simulated Taiwan troops smashing enemy attempts to make an amphibious landing on Taiwan's coast.
Dozens of F-16 fighter jets, OH-58D helicopters and AH-1W attack helicopters took part in the drill.
"Holding this drill shows that despite improving cross-strait ties, our combat readiness has not slackened," Ma said.