Overview
- The PLA Eastern Theater Command is conducting multi-branch live-fire operations across five declared zones with safety advisories for ships and aircraft.
- Activities include rehearsals to blockade major ports and live-fire targeting to the north and southwest of the island using destroyers, frigates, fighters, bombers and drones.
- Taiwan established a response center, deployed appropriate forces and carried out a rapid-response exercise, while its coast guard reported four Chinese vessels near northern and eastern waters.
- Taipei said it tracked 130 Chinese military aircraft, 14 navy ships and 8 government vessels over a 24-hour period as the drills continued.
- China links the exercises to opposition to “Taiwan independence” and recent U.S. arms sales, after which it sanctioned 20 U.S. defense firms, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi vowed to counter the sales.