China simulates strikes on Taiwan during drills

9 April, 2023 A Chinese Air Force pilot during the Joint Sword exercise near Taiwan, April 8, 2023. Source: Reuters China's military simulated precision strikes against Taiwan during exercises around the island.

China started the three-day military exercises around Taiwan on Saturday, the day after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen returned from a brief visit to the United States, Reuters reports. Chinese state television reported that the patrols and drills around Taiwan were ongoing. "Under the unified command of the theatre joint operations command center, multiple types of units carried out simulated joint precision strikes on key targets on Taiwan island and the surrounding sea areas and continue to maintain an offensive posture around the island," it said.

A Chinese warship during the Joint Sword exercise near the Taiwan-controlled Matsu Islands, April 8, 2023. Photo credits: Reuters

A Taiwan security source told the publication that Chinese drills around the Bashi Channel included simulated attacks on aircraft carrier groups and the anti-submarine drills. This channel separates Taiwan and the Philippines.

Bashi Channel

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported that as of 6 a.m. on April 9, 71 Chinese Air Force aircraft and 9 Navy ships were spotted around the island.

It was emphasized that about half of these aircraft, including the Su-30 and J-11, crossed the middle line of the Taiwan Strait.

71 PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities. pic.twitter.com/oZbmPZcDib

-- ??? Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. ?? (@MoNDefense) April 9, 2023

Particular attention is being paid to the People's Liberation Army's Rocket Force. Taiwan's Ocean Council, which oversees coastal defenses, released a video featuring one of the ships tracking the Chinese one.

"You are seriously harming regional peace, stability, and security. Please immediately turn around and leave. If you continue to proceed, we will take expulsion measures," a Coast Guard officer says by radio to the Chinese ship.

Also, other footage shows a Taiwanese warship, the Di Hua, accompanying the Coast Guard ship to support a "standoff." As previously reported, Taiwan is preparing to buy heavy weapons from the Czech Republic.

They include self-propelled guns and trucks, as well as cooperation in the field of the development of drones.