China conducts 10-hr live-fire drills in waters around Taiwan

China fired rockets into waters off Taiwan on Tuesday, showcased new assault ships and dismissed prospects of US and allied intervention to block any future attack by Beijing to take control of the island in its most extensive war games to date.

- Reuters

A Chinese military ship patrols as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducts military drills on Pingtan island, in eastern China's Fujian province, the closest point to Taiwan.

(AFP)

As part of drills rehearsing a blockade, China's Eastern Theatre Command conducted 10 hours of live-fire exercises, launching rockets into waters to the north and south of the democratically governed island.

Chinese naval and air force units also simulated strikes on maritime and aerial targets and carried out anti-submarine drills around the island, while state media released images touting Beijing's technological and military superiority and its ability to take Taiwan by force if necessary.

Named “Justice Mission 2025”, the drills began 11 days after the US announced a record $11.1 billion arms package to Taiwan, drawing the Chinese defence ministry's ire and warnings that the military would “take forceful measures” in response.

For the first time, China's military said the drills were aimed at deterring outside intervention.

“Any external forces that attempt to intervene in the Taiwan issue or interfere in China’s internal affairs will surely smash their heads bloody against the iron walls of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army,” China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said ina statement on Monday.