China completes live-fire drills, simulated strikes

China's military says it has completed two days of exercises that included "live-fire" drills and simulated strikes on key ports and energy sites aimed at Taiwan.

Named "Strait Thunder-2025A," the drills were in the middle and southern parts of the Taiwan Strait as well as the East China Sea, the military said.

A People's Liberation Army spokesman Shi Yi said last night "the Eastern Theater Command has completed all designated tasks of the joint exercises carried out from April 1 to 2."

Earlier, he said the exercises were meant to "test the troops' capabilities" in areas such as "blockade and control, and precision strikes on key targets."

The military also said it had held "long-range live-fire drills" and practiced hitting "simulated targets of key ports and energy facilities."

The Shandong aircraft carrier was also carrying out drills testing the ability to "blockade" Taiwan, the Eastern Theater Command said.

The foreign ministry warned the "punishment will not stop" until Taiwan's leaders stop pushing for what it says is independence from China.

Chinese leaders oppose Washington's support for Taiwan and detest Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te, who they call a "separatist."

Yesterday's drills came a day after China sent its army, navy, air and rocket forces to surround Taiwan, prompting Taipei to dispatch its own air and maritime forces.

By early afternoon, 36 Chinese aircraft, 21 warships and 10 coast guard boats had been detected around Taiwan. That compares with Tuesday's count of 21 warships, 71 aircraft and four coast guard vessels.

"Pursuing Taiwan independence will only endanger Taiwan and plunge Taiwan compatriots into an abyss of misery," said Ministry of Defense spokesman Zhang Xiaogang.

Major general Meng Xiangqing, professor at the PLA National Defense University, warned more drills could follow this week's exercises.

"As long as Taiwan independence separatists dare to cross the line, the PLA will definitely act," Meng told state broadcaster CCTV.

Beijing has ramped up military pressure on Taiwan in recent years and held multiple large-scale exercises around the island that are often described as rehearsals for a blockade and seizure of the territory.

Tensions have escalated since Lai took office in May 2024 and adopted tougher rhetoric than his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE