Taiwan unveils its latest home-grown armored fighting vehicle amid growing tensions with China
Staff members work on the production line of the Taiwan military’s latest armored vehicle the CM-34 " Clouded Leopard" in Nantou
Staff members work on the production line of the Taiwan military’s latest armored vehicle the CM-34 “Clouded Leopard” in NantouREUTERS/Ann Wang
The Taiwanese military paraded their latest home-grown service vehicles this week.
The CM-34 Clouded Leopard is an eight-wheeled armored vehicle, loaded with a US-made Bushmaster 30mm chain gun.
Earlier this week, China said it would fight to the very end to stop Taiwanese independence.
The Taiwanese military has paraded their latest home-grown armored vehicle this week amid growing tensions between them and China.
The CM-34 Clouded Leopard is an eight-wheeler armed with a US-made Mk44 Bushmaster 30mm chain gun, according to Reuters.
Taiwan military’s latest armored vehicle the CM-34 " Clouded Leopard" demonstrates driving on land with different inclines and surface in Nantou
Taiwan military’s latest armored vehicle the CM-34 “Clouded Leopard” demonstrates driving on land with different inclines and surfaces in NantouREUTERS/Ann Wang
While Taiwan largely relies on the US for its weaponry, six of these vehicles are built monthly in a Taiwanese weapons plant in the remote mountainous area of Jiji, Nantou county, Reuters reports, where journalists were allowed for this first time this week.
More than 170 are already in service, and 305 will eventually be built.
The Clouded Leopard is designed for highly mobile warfare, operating in all weathers. has a top speed of 62 miles per hour. I is named after the now-extinct wild cat that Taiwan’s indigenous people believed was sacred, according to Reuters.
Earlier this week, the Chinese government said it would fight to the very end to stop Taiwanese independence, with Wie Fenghe, Minister of National Defense of China, saying, “If anyone dares to secede Taiwan from China, we will not hesitate to fight. W will fight at all costs. A d we will fight to the very end.”
A member of the media takes photos of Taiwan military latest homemade armoured vehicle the CM-34 "Clouded Leopard" in Nantou
A member of the media takes photos of Taiwan military latest homemade armoured vehicle the CM-34 “Clouded Leopard” in NantouREUTERS/Ann Wang
President Biden responded that the US would use military force to defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China.
“We agree with a one-China policy. We’ve signed on to it, and all the intended agreements were made from there. B t the idea that, that it can be taken by force, just taken by force is just not appropriate,” the President said
