China-Taiwan tensions: The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) simulated precision strikes against key targets in Taiwan and nearby waters as “combat readiness” exercises around the self-ruled island entered their second day, South China Morning Post reported citing Chinese state media.

According to the latest development, at least 10 Chinese and 10 Taiwanese warships are in a stand-off near the Taiwan Strait’s median line. 

Earlier today, Taiwan Defence Ministry, in a social media post, claimed that at least 71 PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 am. It said that the Taiwanese Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond to the Chinese aggression.

 Retaliatory step 

Notably, for the past two days, Chinese military aircraft have been conducting what it called a “military exercise” in a retaliatory step against the visit of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s brief visit to the United States.

It is worth mentioning Taiwan split with China in 1949 after a civil war. The ruling Communist Party says the island is obliged to rejoin the mainland, by force if necessary. Beijing says contact with foreign officials encourages Taiwanese who want formal independence, a step the ruling party says would lead to war.

“This is a serious warning against the collusion and provocation between the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and external forces,” said a PLA statement. The “Joint Sword” exercises “defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Plans also called for the exercise to include a destroyer, missile boats, ballistic missiles and land-based anti-ship missiles as well as early warning, electronic warfare and tanker aircraft, according to the The Global Times, a newspaper published by the Communist Party.

 Chinese strategy

Military analysts suggest a possible Chinese strategy in the event of an attack is to try to pressure Taiwan to surrender by blocking sea and air traffic, preventing the United States, Japan or other allies from intervening or sending supplies.

On Saturday, the PLA was testing its ability to dominate the sea, air and information and to “create a situation of deterrence and suppression,” the mainland newspaper The China Daily said.

(With inputs from agency)

Also Read: China announces yet another military drills around Taiwan after President Tsai-US Speaker meeting

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