China on Tuesday launched major combined forces exercises around Taiwan as a “stern warning” in the wake of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s pledge to counter “China’s aggression” on his first visit to Asia, as well as alleged recent ‘separatist’ statements by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) army, navy, air force and rocket force are involved in the drills, which seek to “close in” on the self-ruled island from “multiple directions” and practice maneuvers including “assault on maritime and ground targets” and “blockade on key areas and sea lanes.”
“It is a stern warning and forceful deterrence against ‘Taiwan Independence’ separatist forces, and it is a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity,” a PLA Eastern Theater Command statement said.
At least 20 Chinese warships and 50 jets were involved in the drills, the biggest in many months – and since early last year – to which Taiwan’s military responded by dispatching its own aircraft and ships, and land-based missile systems on coastal areas.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense listed out the following Chinese military weaponry which was moved near Taiwan by early afternoon:
71 sorties by military aircraft and