Press release of the Army Command

Time: January 5, 2023 at 21:20

Regarding rumors circulating online that "Volcanic Anti-Tank systems will cause environmental hazards", the content is inconsistent with the facts. Army Command has provided the below clarification today (5^th ):

1. In response to the enemy threat and the need for self-defense, the Armed Forces will continue to strengthen its war preparations and build up the military. The procurement of a mine-laying system was adopted to strengthen the effectiveness of defensive operations as well as block the enemy during wartime, which helps improve the asymmetric combat capabilities of the Armed Forces, deter enemy troops from invasion, and sustain national security.

2. The Volcanic Anti-Tanks system is an anti-armor mine vehicle and is used to target enemy armored vehicles rather than anti-personnel ones. Since the landmines used in the systems are made of metal, they can be cleared when necessary, and have a self-destruction function at regular intervals, the use of which confirms to operation protocols of international landmines and will not cause any permanent damage to the environment.

3. The Armed Forces have, in accordance with the Control Regulations for Anti-Personnel Landmines, engaged in the exploration and removal of minefields in Kinmen and Matsu from 2007 to 2014. The areas cleared have covered more than 3.5 million square meters. As such, it has effectively rendered the region safe and harmless.

Spokesman of Army Command

Lieutenant General Chan Yu-lin 0965-295991