Live-fire drills around Taiwan provide insight into PLA capabilities following modernisation drive
- Three days of exercises staged in response to senior US politician Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan
- Biggest message is that mainland China can execute a blockade of island, analyst says
Unprecedented military exercises staged by mainland China in waters around Taiwan provide valuable insight into the capabilities of the Chinese military and could help the island better assess Beijing’s military strategy following years of military modernisation efforts, defence experts said.
The People’s Liberation Army fired 11 ballistic missiles directly over Taiwan, sent warplanes and vessels across the median line that divides the strait, flew drones over Taiwanese airspace and deployed at least one aircraft carrier and nuclear submarine in a simulated blockade.
Beijing regards the trip as signalling United States support for Taiwanese independence but Washington said its policies towards Taiwan remain unchanged.
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Why mainland China is holding military drills in Taiwan Strait following US Speaker Pelosi’s trip
Military observers said the drills were closer to actual combat than usual, and it was the first time the PLA had set up a blockade and shooting range to the east of the island.