The Taiwanese army announced that the US will sell them the “Volcano” M139 Aerial-based and M136 Land-based mine laying equipment. This has major implications for a troop movements in the event of an invasion into Taiwanese territory, as it could impede the progress of enemy troops. It remains unclear whether mines will be deployed in a combat situation or whether territory will be mined in the lead up to a conflict. US military analysts have been saying for years that mining the seas around Taiwan, while potentially economically damaging, could substantially reduce the risk of a sea-based invasion.