Chinese bombers: the warplanes ‘training for strikes against US targets’

The Pentagon has highlighted China’s growing military clout in a new report, saying the air force is developing its bombers to hit targets as far away as possible – and “likely training for strikes” against the United States and its allies.

“Over the last three years, the [PLA] has rapidly expanded its overwater bomber operating areas, gaining experience in critical maritime regions and likely training for strikes against US and allied targets,” the report said.

So what do China’s expanded bomber operations involve? These are the Chinese bombers – combat aircraft for attacking ground and naval targets – that the US will be keeping a close eye on.

H-6K strategic bombers

The air force landed nuclear-capable H-6K bombers on one of Beijing’s artificial islands in the South China Sea in May, a move Washington said served “to raise tensions and destabilise the region”.