Last Updated on 2021/04/20
China conducted a series of large-scale aerial bombing drills over the weekend.
Tensions over Taiwan have been escalating in recent days following a U.S.-Japan joint statement, the first since 1969, between the United States and Taiwan calling for ‘peace and stability’ for the region. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and U.S. President Joe Biden angered the Chinese government on Friday by stressing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait area, encouraging a peaceful resolution of the issue.
China stated that such comments are detrimental to “peace and stability” and reaffirmed its resolution to defend its national sovereignty. China in fact considers Taiwan as a rebel province to be brought under control, even with the use of force if necessary.
The Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army, which oversees the Taiwan Strait, has deployed dozens of H-6K strategic bombers in a nine-hour exercise, according to Chinese state television.
According to CCTV reports, the bombers departed from a military airport in eastern China in combat formation and in low-visibility conditions and headed to an unknown exercise area.
The H-6Ks, which have a 15-ton load capacity, tested electronic countermeasures with air defense missile units. Once they reached their target airspace, they dropped free-falling aerial bombs from various altitudes. After returning to base, they repeated the exercise overnight.
According to the CCTV report, the long hours of flying quickly improved assault capabilities and enhanced current combat capabilities.
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