On Wednesday, China conducted missile firings toward Taiwan and deployed amphibious assault ships, bombers, and other military vessels around the island. The drills were announced as the largest military exercises aimed at practicing encirclement and control of the island.
According to reports, the live-fire drills continued in five areas until 6:00 p.m. Naval and air forces practiced strikes on maritime and aerial targets as well as anti-submarine operations. Taiwanese officials are closely monitoring whether China fires missiles over the island.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te called the exercises “inconsistent with the conduct expected of a responsible major power.” Taiwan’s military is ready to defend the island but is trying not to escalate tensions. Debris from the drills reached an area 24 nautical miles off Taiwan’s coast.
About $2.45 trillion in trade passes through Taiwan each year, and the island’s air routes are an important transport corridor between China and East and Southeast Asia. Therefore, China’s military drills are aimed at testing encirclement and blockade of the island.
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