The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command announced the deployment of its Shandong aircraft carrier task group in coordinated military exercises near the island of Taiwan on Wednesday. The drills involved joint naval and air force operations, including simulated strikes on ground and maritime targets and seizure of airspace control.
Senior Colonel Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the command, stated the exercises aimed to validate the PLA's "capabilities of integrated operations inside and outside the island chain" and assess multi-service coordination. Analysts note the maneuvers highlight ongoing efforts to refine strategies for complex scenarios in the Taiwan Strait.
While regional tensions remain a focal point, authorities on the Chinese mainland reiterated their commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty through defensive preparedness. The drills follow recent statements by the Chinese premier emphasizing stability as a cornerstone for economic growth and cross-strait cooperation.
