"Deploying Military Aircraft and Launching Ballistic Missiles" China Raises Military Pressure on Taiwan

11 Ballistic Missiles Launched, Some Falling Inside Japan's EEZ
China Self-assesses as "Unprecedented Scale of Live-fire Exercise... Successful Launches"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] China has been continuously escalating military pressure on Taiwan following the visit of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Local media are focusing on showcasing military power by reporting in detail on military drills and live-fire exercises.

According to Chinese state-run media such as CCTV and Xinhua News Agency on the 5th, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) set up six zones surrounding Taiwan and on the first day of the "important military training and live-fire exercises" on the 4th, launched long-range artillery and 11 ballistic missiles in all directions?east, west, south, and north?around Taiwan. A spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command stated, "On the afternoon of the 4th, the rocket forces of the Eastern Theater Command concentrated strikes with various types of conventional missiles on multiple areas in the planned waters off eastern Taiwan, and all missiles hit their targets." CCTV described it as an "unprecedented scale of live-fire exercise," adding, "Long-range firepower was confirmed, and the launches were successful."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

◆Some Missiles Fell Inside Japan's EEZ= Of the 11 ballistic missiles launched, five reportedly fell inside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Japanese media such as Kyodo News and NHK reported that this was the first time Chinese ballistic missiles fell inside Japan's EEZ, strongly protesting it as a "serious safety issue."

Additionally, over 100 military aircraft from the air force and navy conducted reconnaissance, escort support, and assault training in the northern, western, and eastern airspaces of Taiwan. The drills, involving the largest number of military aircraft to date, included China's stealth fighter J-20.

Chinese fighter jets also crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which serves as the de facto boundary with Taiwan, in large numbers. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense announced on its website on the night of the 4th that a total of 22 fighter jets (8 J-11s, 2 J-16s, and 12 SU-30s) crossed the median line before returning. On the 3rd, when Speaker Pelosi was still in Taiwan, 22 Chinese fighter jets also crossed the median line before returning.

Furthermore, about ten Chinese destroyers and frigates jointly blockaded the area around Taiwan and conducted reconnaissance of the live-fire exercise zones, CCTV reported. Along with on-site footage, CCTV quickly provided expert commentary on the launch situation and results, focusing on showcasing military power, while emphasizing that "the PLA Army's long-range firing range covers the entire island" and "launches can occur at any time."

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

◆U.S. Criticizes as "Irresponsible Overreaction"= The United States condemned China's military actions as "irresponsible." John Kirby, White House National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications, said at a briefing that "China is using Speaker Pelosi's visit as a pretext to increase provocative military activities inside and outside the Taiwan Strait, overreacting," and "We expected China to take such measures, and these actions will likely continue for some time." He added, "The U.S. does not seek or choose crisis, but we are prepared for whatever China chooses." Earlier, on the 2nd, the U.S. deployed the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan to the Philippine Sea.

Kirby also stated, "We have strong military capabilities in the region and strong alliances and partner countries," adding, "We also have economic and diplomatic means. If necessary, the U.S. has many tools it can mobilize." He emphasized, "The key is that we do not need to do so."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, visiting Cambodia to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, expressed hope that "China will not seek excuses to create a crisis or increase aggressive military actions." Blinken said, "We have contacted Chinese counterparts at all levels of government in recent days to convey this message," emphasizing, "Maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait is in the interest of all countries in the region, including all our friends in ASEAN." He also stated, "We have an unwavering interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," and "We oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force."

He also indirectly expressed support for the "One China" policy. Blinken explained that the U.S. remains committed to the "One China" policy based on the Taiwan Relations Act, mutual non-interference, the three joint communiques between the U.S. and China, and the six assurances recognizing Taiwan's de facto sovereignty, stating, "Our position has not changed."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.