China has simulated precision strikes against Taiwan as it continues to encircle the island nation.
Beijing began three days of military exercises around the island on Saturday. Chinese leaders called the operation a “stern warning” to the Taiwanese government.
Chinese state television reported that the combat readiness patrols and drills around Taiwan were continuing on Sunday.
“Under the unified command of the theatre joint operations command centre, multiple types of units carried out simulated joint precision strikes on key targets on Taiwan island and the surrounding sea areas, and continue to maintain an offensive posture around the island,” it said.
A source told Reuters that China had been conducting simulated air and sea attacks on “foreign military targets” in the waters off Taiwan’s southwestern coast
“Taiwan is not their only target,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media. “It’s very provocative.”
Taiwan’s defence ministry said they had spotted 58 Chinese aircraft, including Su-30 fighters and H-6 bombers, as well as nine ships around Taiwan since the drills began.
The exercises started hours after Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen returned from a trip to the US.
China’s leader Xi Jinping considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has promised reunification.
President Tsai said she would keep working with the US amid “continued authoritarian expansionism” from China.
