EASTERN THEATER COMMAND
Will China capture Taiwan? Beijing releases animated video of attack and reunification. What next?
A video released by the Chinese State media shows a simulated attack on Taiwan and its reunification with the mainland. However, experts have pointed out this invasion is unlikely. This video tries to prepare the citizens of the mainland for war and ultimate reunification with Taiwan. However, experts have dismissed this as yet another attempt at waging psychological warfare.
China warns of Taiwan 'war' as military drills encircle island
On the second day of exercises, warships and fighter jets surrounded Taiwan in what Beijing described as a test of its capability to seize the island, following the inauguration of its new president. China's military initiated the two-day war games on Thursday, deploying naval vessels and military aircraft to encircle democratic Taiwan, affirming its determination that the blood of "independence forces" on the island would be shed.
Taiwan president pledges to stand with military, safeguard nation despite Chinese 'external threats'
China's military drills near Taiwan prompted President Lai Ching-te to pledge to stand with the military and protect Taiwan's freedom and democracy. He visited a Marine base, emphasizing the need to defend against external threats and ensure national security. While not directly addressing China's exercises, Lai expressed confidence in the military's ability to maintain security. The Chinese PLA's drills included fighter jets conducting mock strikes, with a focus on deterring Taiwan independence and external interference.
China says drills around Taiwan test 'seizure of power' capability
On Friday, China announced that its ongoing military drills encircling Taiwan were intended to test the ability to seize control of the self-ruled island. These exercises, codenamed "Joint Sword-2024A," follow the inauguration of Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, whose pro-independence stance Beijing strongly opposes. The two-day drills involve naval vessels and military aircraft and are part of China's increasing military intimidation of Taiwan. The United Nations and the United States have called for restraint, while Beijing has vowed to severely punish "Taiwan independence" forces.
Is China- Taiwan War imminent? Taipei scrambles fighter jets after being surrounded by Chinese ships. What will US do?
In a military exercise by China, Taiwan and some islands controlled by it have been surrounded raising the specter of war. However, conflict is unlikely in this situation.
China launches military drills around Taiwan as 'punishment'
China initiated two days of military drills around Taiwan in response to the inauguration of Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, who emphasized Taiwan's sovereignty. These exercises aim to encircle Taiwan and serve as a warning against pro-independence forces and external interference. Taiwan condemned the drills as threats to regional peace but remains prepared to defend its security. Despite the tensions, Lai has signaled a willingness to engage in dialogue with Beijing and maintain peaceful relations.
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China increases defence budget by 7.2% to accelerate military modernisation; Here's how India's preparedness holds up
China has announced a significant 7.2% increase in its defence budget, surpassing $230 billion, which is more than three times India's military expenditure. This increase comes despite China's economic slowdown and refusal to de-escalate tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). China aims to modernize its two-million-strong armed forces to deter US interference, especially regarding Taiwan. This includes strengthening conventional military and nuclear forces and strategic moves in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), such as a military assistance pact with the Maldives.
China 'Pushes the Boundaries' with its expanding borders
China is using aggressive tactics to expand its territory in Bhutan, the South China Sea, and Japan's Senkaku Islands. It is building settlements, roads, hydropower stations, and military outposts in disputed areas, causing tensions with neighboring countries.
Chinese balloon detected around Taiwan: defence ministry
Taiwan's Defense Ministry detected a Chinese balloon crossing the Taiwan Strait's median line, an uncommon occurrence. Initially thought to be a weather balloon drifting due to monsoon winds, it raised concerns. China's increased military presence near Taiwan contrasts with this unexpected balloon crossing, potentially signaling deliberate testing or political messages. Similar past incidents involving Chinese balloons posed no military threat. China's Foreign Ministry claimed unawareness.
China ramped up troop presence, infrastructure along LAC in 2022, says Pentagon report
According to a Pentagon report, China has increased its deployment of forces and infrastructure build-up along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2022 amid border tensions with India. The report stated that China has constructed underground storage facilities near Doklam, a second bridge over Pangong Lake, a dual-purpose airport, and multiple helipads. China also deployed military forces in the western, eastern, and central sectors of the LAC.
North Korea's Kim Jong Un inspects Russian bombers and a warship on a visit to Russia's Far East
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited military and technology sites in Russia's Far East, inspecting nuclear-capable bombers, hypersonic missiles, and an advanced warship. The visit has raised concerns about a potential arms alliance between North Korea and Russia, which could support Russian aggression in Ukraine. Kim's trip, which included talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggests that North Korea may seek Russian technologies in exchange for providing munitions.
Chinese military conducts drills near Taiwan as 'stern warning' following Taiwan official's US visit
China launched military drills around Taiwan on Saturday as a "stern warning" after voicing anger over a stopover in the United States by the island's vice president, William Lai. Lai, who is the frontrunner in Taiwan's presidential election next year, stopped in New York and returned via San Francisco on a trip to Paraguay, one of a dwindling number of nations that diplomatically recognise Taipei.
Major restructure sees China's PLA air force take over naval aircraft
The People's Liberation Army (PLA), an armed force beholden to the Chinese Communist Party, is the world's largest military. Its pursuit of "jointness" between the various armed services has been made evident in the recent blockade of a Philippine outpost in the South China Sea, and in the recent transfer of naval aviation assets into the hands of the PLA Air Force.
Taiwan retaliates, tracks 32 Chinese military aircraft, 4 naval ships around country
Between 6 a.m. on Thursday (May 11) and 6 a.m. on Friday (May 12), the Ministry of National Defence (MND) monitored 32 Chinese military aircraft and four naval vessels in the vicinity of Taiwan, according to Taiwan news. In the southwest corner of the ADIZ, a BZK-005 reconnaissance drone and a TB-001 combat reconnaissance drone also crossed the median line and flew along the southern edge of the identification zone. Additionally, two Sukhoi Su-30 jet fighters and six Chengdu J-10 fighter jets crossed the median line.
Chinese planes cross Taiwan Strait median line as angry China starts drills
China began live-fire drills in seas close to the Taiwan Strait to warn pro-Taiwan independence forces. It took place 50 km northwest of the Matsu Islands, situated near the mainland, but controlled by Taiwan. Although Taiwan’s government strongly objects to China’s claims, China views democratic Taiwan as part of its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.
China stages drills, citing U.S.-Taiwan provocation
"We will take all necessary steps to defend sovereignty, territorial integrity," the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army said in a statement, without giving more details.
China-Russia navy drills to 'further deepen' partnership
The Russian Defense Ministry said the Varyag missile cruiser, the Marshal Shaposhnikov destroyer and two corvettes of Russia's Pacific Fleet would take part in the maneuvers.
51 Chinese warplanes, 6 warships infringes on Taiwan's air defence identification zone
The 25 warplanes that had flown to the east of the median line were identified as 12 Sukhoi SU-30 fighter jets, six Shenyang J-16 fighter jets, four Chengdu J-10 fighter jets, two Xian H-6 bombers, and one Shaanxi Y-8 electronic warfare plane.
Angry China conducts fresh military drills around Taiwan as five US lawmakers visit Taipei
The Chinese military unit responsible for the area adjacent to Taiwan, the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command, said it had organised multi-service joint combat readiness patrols and combat drills in the sea and airspace around Taiwan on Monday.
China says military drills near Taiwan concluded
The PLA Eastern Theater Command said it had successfully completed various missions during recent drills around Taiwan and effectively tested the troops' joint operation combat capacity, state media outlet Global Times reported. The command will regularly organize combat readiness patrols in the Taiwan Strait, it added.
Taiwan says Chinese warplanes and ships conduct attack simulation exercise
Taiwan says Chinese warplanes and ships conduct attack simulation exercise
China sends ships and planes toward Taiwan, despite rising criticism
The moves signaled Beijing’s willingness to push back at the United States and its allies militarily, diplomatically and economically to signal its fury over U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan this week.
China claims 'precision missile strikes' in Taiwan Strait
The drills were prompted by a visit to the island by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi this week and are intended to advertise China’s threat to attack the self-governing island republic. Along with its moves to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, China has long threatened military retaliation over moves by the island to solidify its de-facto independence with the support of key allies including the U.S.
China's military exercises could help it practice an invasion
"Previously, the Chinese Communists carried out military exercises at a distance, now they've become close-up," Chang Yan-ting, a retired deputy commander of Taiwan's air force, said in an interview. "The Chinese military exercises around Taiwan will put our national military in a very dangerous position," he said. "They're already at our doorstep."
Russia's claim of Mariupol's capture fuels concern for POWs
Poland, which has welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees since the start of the war, is a strong supporter of Ukraine's desire to join the European Union. With Russia blocking Ukraine's sea ports, Poland has become a major gateway for Western humanitarian aid and weapons going into Ukraine and has been helping Ukraine get its grain and other agricultural products to world markets.
Ukraine digs in to fight Russia's looming eastern offensive
Experts say a full-scale offensive in the east could start within days, though questions remained about the ability of Russia's depleted and demoralized forces to conquer much ground after Ukraine's inspired defenders repelled their push to capture the capital, Kyiv.
Chinese forces exercise near Taiwan in response to US visit
Chinese military forces are holding exercises near Taiwan in response to a visit by a U.S. congressional delegation to the island
China appoints new army commander to head troops along Indian border
Xi, who also heads the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) the Central Military Commission (CMC), has promoted Wang and four other military officers to the rank of General, the highest rank for officers in active military service in China, the state-run website chinamil reported on Monday night.
Newly promoted PLA General to head Chinese troops along Indian border amid eastern Ladakh standoff
Xi, who is also Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) - the overall high command of the People's Liberation Army, promoted 59-year-old Xu to the rank of General - the highest rank for officers in active service in China, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Monday.
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