China launches rockets near water off Taiwan like live-fire training intensifies

The Chinese militaryThis was reported by the command of the Eastern Theater of Operations. in statement that several missiles were fired at sea off East End of Taiwan. He said all missiles hit their goals exactly.

“Whole live-fire preparation mission was successfully completed and relevant air and sea area control has been lifted,” the statement said.

Earlier, the command of the Eastern Theater stated that it had carried out a long range, live-fire preparation in Taiwan Strait, state broadcaster CCTV reported. of planned military exercises around the island.

Chinese state media said exercises to imitate air and a naval “blockade” around Taiwan began on Wednesday but did not provide conclusive evidence that back up claims. Later Thursday, images showed military helicopters fly past Pintan Island, one of closest to Taiwan points to mainland China.

military posturing was deliberate show of force after Pelosi left island on Wednesday night, bound for South Korea, one of in final stops on Asia tour that ends in Japan this weekend.

Within hours of her departure from Taipei on Wednesday, the island’s defense ministry said China sent more than 20 fighters across the median line in Taiwan Strait, midway between the mainland and Taiwan, which is Beijing says he does not recognize, but usually respects.

The Taiwan Ministry of Defense announced this on Thursday. military remained in “normal” but alert posture, and is called live-fire fulfills an “irrational act” aimed at “changing the status quo.”

“We are closely monitoring enemy activities by the sea of Taiwan and it of outlying islands and we will act accordingly,” the ministry said. in statement.

Pressure exercises

Well in promote of Pelosi’s nearly 24-hour visit to Taiwan, China warned that her presence was not welcome. The ruling Chinese Communist Party considers the self-ruled island to be its own territory, despite never having controlled it.

China released a map showing six zones around Taiwan, which will be the place of drill in coming days. But on Thursday, This was reported by the Taiwan Maritime and Port Bureau. in notice that China added seventh military an exercise area for ships and planes for avoid “in waters around eastern Taiwan.”

Chinese state media on Thursday outlined range of goals for drills including strikes on land and sea targets.

“Exercise is focused on key training exercises, including joint blockade, assault on naval targets, strike on ground targets and airspace control operations, as well as joint combat capabilities of troops were tested in in military operations,” he said. announcement from Xinhua news an agency belonging to the Eastern Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) which is responsible for areas near Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the Global Times tabloid reported that some of China’s latest and most advanced weaponry, including J-20 stealth fighters and DF-17 hypersonic missiles, and that some missiles can be launched over island – a move what it would be extremely provocative.

“The exercise is unprecedented as conventional PLA missiles are expected to fly. over island of Taiwan for in first time,” reports the Global Times, citing experts.

PLA troops will enter areas within 12 nautical miles. of the island and the so-called median line will cease to exist.”

Accounts from Taiwan of Chinese military the movement included fighter jets crossing the median line and a Taiwanese government-run Central News Agency with reference to government sources that two of most powerful warships — Type 55 destroyers — were spotted on Tuesday off central and southeastern coast of an island, the nearest of which is within 37 miles (60 kilometers) of land.

But there was little corroboration or hard evidence provided by China. back up view of claims posted in Global Times.

Chinese state-run television suggested video of fighter jets offships at sea and missiles on in movebut dates of I have not been able to verify when this video was taken.

Some analysts were skeptical that Beijing might refuse off what they threatened, for example, a blockade of Taiwan.

” official announcement (of blockade) refers to just a few days that would make it hard to qualify it on practical terms blockade,” said Alessio Patalano, professor of war and strategy at King’s College in London.

“Blockades hard perform and implement for a long time. This exercise is not right,” he said.

Patalano said the biggest impact of exercises will be psychological.

“For the period of time in question, ships and planes are likely to redirect avoid in area but this one primary goal of elected locations: create disturbance, discomfort and fear of It will get worse,” he said.

Aircraft and ship redirection

Chinese response exercises already caused violation of the schedule of flights and ships in Taiwan, although the island is trying to reduce their influence.

Taiwanese transport minister these agreements were reached with Japan and the Philippines will redirect 18 international routes of flights departing from the island – about 300 flights. in total — to avoid PLA live-fire drill.

As well as on On Wednesday, the Taiwan Maritime and Port Bureau issued three notices asking ships to use alternative routes for seven ports around the island.

China plans live-fire drills were also disturbing in Japan.

Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, said the exercise posed a threat to his country’s security.

One of in six exercise areas set up China was located near the Japanese island of Yonaguni, part of of Okinawa Prefecture and only 68 miles (110 kilometers) off Coast of Taiwan.

That same Chinese exercise zone also near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands, a rocky uninhabited chain known as the Diaoyu. in China and over which Beijing claims sovereignty.

“In particular, training area was set up in water near Japan, and if China held live ammunition drills in such an area may affect security of Japan and her peopleMatsuno said.

Meanwhile the United States military was silent on Chinese exercises and did not provide any answers to CNN’s questions on Thursday.

In addition to close observation on Chinese military island travel, taiwan also said it would improve security against cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns.

This was stated by the official representative of the Cabinet of Ministers of Taiwan, Lo Ping-cheng. in Wednesday news conference about what government had increased security key infrastructure points and raised the level of cybersecurity vigilance government offices.

Taiwan expects ‘cognitive warfare’ to intensify, referring to disinformation campaigns used to influence public opinion, Lo said.

Wayne Chang and Eric Cheung of CNN contributed to this report.

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