China has conducted bomber drills near Taiwan in what state media described as “confrontation exercises,” just days before a highly anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
Chinese state television’s military channel reported late Sunday that units from the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command carried out combat-oriented training designed to test air blockade and precision strike capabilities.
The exercises included several J-10 fighter jets and H-6K strategic bombers, which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons, operating in waters and airspace around Taiwan.
Although no specific date or location was disclosed, the report included footage of bombs being dropped and an air force officer saying “the coast of Taiwan can be clearly made out.”
The broadcast emphasized that safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity was China’s “solemn commitment.”
Taiwan’s Defence Ministry, which regularly monitors Chinese military movements, did not immediately comment on the drills.
In its daily update on Monday, it reported four Chinese military aircraft operating near the island in the past 24 hours, three fighter jets in the Taiwan Strait and one support aircraft to the southwest.
The manoeuvres come as Trump and Xi prepare to meet later this week on the sidelines of a regional summit in South Korea, with trade and regional security expected to dominate discussions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that Taiwan “should not be concerned” about the talks.
Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, has increased military pressure around the island over the past year, while insisting reunification must eventually occur.
On Saturday, a senior Chinese official reiterated calls for “peaceful reunification” to mark the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s return to Chinese governance after World War II.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, in a separate interview, said peace must be backed by strength, highlighting his administration’s commitment to higher defence spending. “We have ideals about peace,” Lai said, “but cannot have illusions that an agreement on a piece of paper can achieve peace.”
China has rejected Lai’s offers for dialogue, labeling him a “separatist,” while Taipei maintains that only Taiwan’s people can determine their future.
The latest show of force underscores the fragile cross-strait situation as Washington and Beijing seek to manage tensions ahead of their leaders’ meeting.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
