China Completes Military Drills Near Taiwan and Assesses Combat Skills

Drills to Assess Combat Skills

The Chinese military announced that it had “successfully completed” the drills and “thoroughly evaluated” the skills of several units in realistic combat conditions. “The theater troops are ready to fight at any time and can fight at any time, resolutely crushing any form of Taiwanese independence separatism and foreign interference,” said the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army in a statement.

Chinese state television reported earlier on Monday that aircraft, including H-6 bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons and equipped with missiles, and warships had conducted drills to “create a multi-directional blockade situation encompassing the island.” The Eastern Theater Command stated that the Shandong aircraft carrier had also participated in combat patrols, showing fighter jets taking off from its deck.

International Reactions

Japan is closely monitoring China’s military drills around Taiwan, a Japanese government spokesperson said on Monday. Japan has long been concerned about China’s military activities in the region, given the proximity of Japan’s southern islands to Taiwan.

The European Union also expressed concern on Monday, stating that Taiwan’s status should not be changed by force, as any escalation, accident, or use of force in the region would have enormous global implications. The United States said it was closely monitoring China’s drills.

Life Continues Normally in Taiwan

Life in Taiwan continues as normal, with no signs of panic or disruption, and civilian flights are operating as usual. “Most ordinary people are probably not scared, the main reason being that everyone thinks China will definitely not start a war,” said Tang Pao-hsiung, a 78-year-old retiree and former soldier.

Taiwan’s stock market shrugged off the tensions, with the benchmark index (.TWII) closing up 0.3% on Monday. However, the CSI300 index of Chinese blue-chips (.CSI300) fell 0.5%, while the Shanghai Composite index (.SSEC) retreated 0.4% due to the reduction in investor risk appetite caused by the drills.