China simulates missile strikes on Taiwan
On the second day of the military maneuvers, Chinese aviation carried out simulated missile strikes on Taiwan. According to Reuters, the planes involved in the United Sword 2024A exercise were equipped with combat missiles.
On Friday, May 24, several strike groups of combat aircraft, in coordination with the navy, carried out simulated attacks on the island nation. The purpose of today's maneuvers is to test the ability of the Chinese Armed Forces to seize control of key areas of Taiwan and seize power.
In addition, Chinese aviation practiced strikes on foreign ships. Taiwan's intelligence services told the media that a number of bombers simulated attacks on foreign ships near the eastern edge of the Bashi Strait, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines. In this way, they practiced a scenario to seize territories west of the first island chain.
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense reported that as of the morning, the department had detected almost fifty Chinese military aircraft, of which 28 crossed the midline of the strait, which once served as the unofficial border between the two countries.
China began its military exercises three days after the inauguration of Taiwan's new president. The Chinese military said that the two-day drills around Taiwan were a punishment for “separatist forces seeking independence.”
Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 25/05/2024
