China continued its military exercises around Taiwan for the second consecutive day, focusing on the Taiwan Strait, a crucial international shipping route separating the self-governing island from the mainland. The drills, named Strait Thunder-2025A, were conducted in the central and southern parts of the strait, according to a spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Taiwan’s military closely monitored the situation and reported the presence of 76 Chinese military aircraft and 19 naval or government vessels in nearby waters and airspace, with 37 of the aircraft crossing the center line of the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, the Chinese Shandong aircraft carrier group entered Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
The PLA stated that the exercises aimed to test the troops’ capabilities in area regulation and control, joint blockade and control, and precision strikes on key targets. The drills simulated scenarios such as identification, verification, warning, expulsion, interception, and detention.
Beijing has been increasingly sending warplanes and naval vessels toward Taiwan, escalating the scale and frequency of such drills in recent years. Taiwanese officials have expressed concern that China could use military exercises as a cover for a surprise attack.
The United States has expressed concern over China’s growing military presence near Taiwan. Any conflict over Taiwan could involve the United States, which has numerous regional alliances, provides Taiwan with advanced weaponry, and is legally obligated to respond to threats against the island.
BoldVoices.in 
Leave a comment