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Chinese military aircraft have conducted “confrontation drills” near Taiwan in what Taiwanese defense officials are calling a clear attempt at intimidation, just days before a scheduled meeting between the U.S. and Chinese presidents in South Korea.
The Chinese state television’s military channel reported on its Sina Weibo account that units from the People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theatre Command recently carried out combat-oriented training exercises. These drills reportedly tested capabilities in air blockades and precision strikes, though no specific date was provided for the activities.
“Several J-10 fighters flew in combat formation to a designated target airspace, and multiple H-6K bombers went to the waters and airspace around Taiwan island to carry out simulated confrontation drills,” the report stated. The H-6K is a strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons, representing one of China’s most powerful aerial assets.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) quickly responded, dismissing the report as “clearly a public-opinion operation aimed at intimidation.” In a statement, the ministry called on Taiwanese citizens to “remain united in the face of such cognitive operations, to uphold freedom and democracy, and to defend our homeland together.”
The timing of the announcement is notable, coming just before U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet on the sidelines of the APEC summit in South Korea. The meeting is expected to focus primarily on ongoing trade disputes between the world’s two largest economies.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to ease tensions by stating that Taiwan should not be concerned about the upcoming talks between Trump and Xi.
The Chinese state television report included footage of bombs being dropped and featured an air force officer claiming that the “coast of Taiwan can be clearly made out,” though the video footage did not clearly show any visible landmass. The report emphasized that defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity through “concrete actions and safeguarding the peace and happiness of hundreds of millions of people is our solemn commitment.”
China’s Ministry of Defense has not responded to requests for comment on the reported drills.
According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, Chinese military aircraft and warships operate in the skies and waters around Taiwan on a daily basis, part of Beijing’s ongoing pressure campaign against the self-governed island it claims as part of its territory. However, the MND has not reported any unusual military activity in recent days.
In its regular daily bulletin released this morning, the ministry reported just four Chinese military aircraft in Taiwan’s vicinity during the previous 24 hours: three fighter jets in the Taiwan Strait and one support aircraft to the southwest of Taiwan. This relatively low number stands in contrast to the larger-scale exercises described in Chinese state media.
Military analysts note that publicizing such drills through state media typically serves Beijing’s strategic messaging goals rather than reflecting operational necessity. The announcement appears designed to demonstrate China’s military capabilities and resolve regarding Taiwan ahead of important international diplomatic engagements.
The incident represents the latest chapter in escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait. China has maintained that it will never renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, while Taiwan’s government asserts its right to self-determination and democratic governance.
International observers will be watching closely to see if the Taiwan issue emerges as a point of discussion during the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting, though trade issues are expected to dominate the agenda.
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16 Comments
The Taiwanese government’s dismissal of these reports as ‘propaganda’ seems warranted. China has a history of using military exercises to try and intimidate its neighbors.
Agreed, China’s use of state media to amplify these sorts of military drills is clearly an attempt to shape the narrative and project an image of strength.
It’s no surprise the Taiwanese Defense Ministry is calling this out as a ‘public-opinion operation’ by China. Maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait is crucial for regional security.
You make a good point. Taiwan will need to remain vigilant and united in the face of these kinds of provocations from China.
The Taiwanese government is right to call out these Chinese military exercises as propaganda. China’s use of advanced bombers near Taiwan is clearly intended to intimidate.
I agree, this is an alarming development that bears close watching. The potential for miscalculation or unintended escalation is high in this volatile situation.
It’s disappointing, but not surprising, to see China engaging in these kinds of provocative military drills near Taiwan. Hopefully diplomacy can prevail over saber-rattling.
You’re right, this is a concerning trend that requires a measured and restrained response from all sides to avoid a dangerous spiral of escalation.
This seems like another case of China using military exercises and media propaganda to project power and influence over Taiwan. The Defense Ministry’s response calling it an ‘intimidation’ tactic is quite telling.
I agree, these types of confrontational military drills near Taiwan are likely more about posturing and political messaging than actual combat readiness.
The Taiwanese government’s characterization of these Chinese military exercises as ‘propaganda’ seems accurate. Beijing is clearly using these drills to project power and influence in the region.
Agreed. China’s actions here appear to be more about domestic political messaging than any real military necessity. Maintaining open lines of communication will be crucial to prevent miscalculation.
It’s concerning to see China escalating its military activities and rhetoric around Taiwan, especially with the advanced H-6K bomber capabilities. This could raise tensions in the region further.
You’re right, these provocative actions by China are worrying and increase the risk of miscalculation or unintended conflict. Diplomacy and restraint will be crucial going forward.
These reported Chinese bomber drills near Taiwan seem like another example of Beijing flexing its military muscles. Hopefully cooler heads can prevail and avoid further escalation.
Absolutely. Ratcheting up military tensions in the Taiwan Strait is a risky strategy that could have grave consequences if not handled carefully by all parties involved.