A group of Chinese H-6K bombers recently flew near Taiwan to practice “confrontation drills,” Chinese state media reported late Sunday, publicizing the action just a few days before the U.S. and Chinese presidents are due to meet in South Korea, reports BritPanorama.
Taiwan’s defense ministry denounced the report as a propaganda ploy. The island, viewed by China as its own territory, regularly sends combat aircraft and warships into the skies and waters around it, although Taipei’s defense ministry has not reported any unusual activity lately.
According to a report from Chinese state television’s military channel, units from the Eastern Theater Command recently conducted combat-oriented training without specifying a date. They aimed to test their capabilities in areas such as air blockades and precision strikes.
“Several J-10 fighters flew in combat formation to a designated target airspace, and multiple H-6K bombers went to the waters and airspace around Taiwan island to carry out simulated confrontation drills,” the report stated, although it did not specify the location of these drills.
The H-6K, a strategic bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons, remains a significant aspect of China’s military capabilities. Taiwan’s defense ministry labeled the report as “clearly a public-opinion operation aimed at intimidation.” In light of this, it urged citizens to remain united, emphasizing the need to uphold freedom and democracy in the face of such cognitive operations.
China’s defense ministry did not respond to a request for comment. On Monday morning, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported just four Chinese military aircraft, including three fighter jets in the Taiwan Strait and one support aircraft southwest of Taiwan.
In its presentation, Chinese state media asserted that defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity through “concrete actions” is a serious commitment. A video segment showcased bombs being dropped, with an air force officer commenting that the “coast of Taiwan can be clearly made out.” However, it was unclear from the footage whether any land was visible.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet on the sidelines of a regional summit in South Korea this week, aiming to address their ongoing trade dispute. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Sunday that Taiwan should not be concerned about the impending talks.
Taiwan’s government, which rejects Beijing’s sovereignty assertions, has historically received strong but unofficial support from the United States. This support persists despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, as the U.S. is legally bound to assist Taiwan in defending itself.
On Saturday, a senior Chinese official remarked that China and Taiwan should strive for “peaceful reunification,” coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s transfer to Chinese governance from Japanese rule following World War II.
In an interview with two Taiwanese YouTubers aired late Saturday, President Lai Ching-te asserted that peace must rely on strength, reaffirming his government’s commitment to enhance defense spending. “We have ideals about peace, but cannot harbor illusions that an agreement on a piece of paper can achieve peace,” Lai emphasized.
China has dismissed multiple proposals for dialogue from Lai, labeling him a “separatist.” Lai maintains that the decision concerning Taiwan’s future rests solely with its people.
