The large-scale military drills Beijing launched around Taiwan in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island involve the “use of advanced weapons,” including China’s state-of-the-art hypersonic DF-17 missiles, China’s Global Times newspaper reported on Wednesday.
To continue the exercises, a “joint blockade, sea assault and land and air combat trainings,” the state media outlet said, adding that Chinese J-20 stealth fighter jets were taking part in the exercise as well.
Global Times identified the drills “unprecedented,”Adding that Chinese missiles are expected to “fly over the island of Taiwan for the first time.” People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces are also expected to enter the area within 12 nautical miles of the island, and could potentially surround the island “entirely,”The military was also mentioned. “experts.”
According to the Chinese Armed Forces Eastern Theater Command, Wednesday’s exercise was conducted. “realistic combat-oriented”The drills can be found to the southwest, southeast and north of the island.
According to Xinhua News Agency, the drills will last at most until Sunday noon. “live-fire drills in six large maritime areas and their air space surrounding the island of Taiwan.”
Global Times’ Wednesday mentions that the DF-17 missiles, which were launched by China’s military July 31, 2022 was their first public demonstration of action. A launch of what was described by the Chinese media as an “aimless missile” during a video commemorating the 95th anniversary the founding of the PLA took place at that moment. “aircraft carrier killer.”
DF-17, which stands for Dongfeng (East Wind), is said to be using a hypersonic glider as its warhead, which flies five times faster than the speed of sound and has “unpredictable trajectory.”Global Times reports that the missile has a particularly high hit rate. “slowly moving targets” like aircraft carriers.
This news is coming as tensions are high around Taiwan. On Tuesday, Pelosi visited the island that Beijing considers part of China’s sovereign territory. Pelosi, the House speaker and third-in-line to the US presidency has been the highest ranking American official to visit the island since 1997. China protested this move previously, calling it provocative.
Beijing reacted to the trip by launching military exercises around Taiwan and warning the US that Pelosi’s visit would have “severe impact”Washington and Beijing: bilateral relations
Taiwan’s government has been run by the nationalists who were defeated during the Chinese civil war. They fled the mainland in 1949 with the help of the US. Taipei’s government calls itself the Republic of China (ROC), and has never declared its independence. Washington has close, unofficial relations with Taiwan and even sells arms to Taipei despite officially recognizing Beijing as China’s sole legitimate authority.
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