China said on Sunday it launched simulated strikes on key targets in Taiwan. The "simulated coordinated precision strikes in important targets in Taiwan" were carried out on the second day of the ongoing drills, which it launched in response to Tawain President Tsai Ing-Wen's visit to the US. Today marks the second day of the drills after Wen met the US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The mock drills also displayed some "tactical manoeuvres" involving the Chinese navy. Taiwan managed to track about 71 Chinese military aircraft and nine naval ships until Saturday.
Several services were part of conducting simulated joint precision strikes on the island nation, reported CNN. These exercises were termed "United Sharp Sword" which were conducted under the guidance of the People’s Liberation Army's (PLA) Eastern Theater Command.
Taiwan's defence ministry revealed a total of 58 PLA warplanes were seen moving over the Taiwan Strait today, reported CNN. Out of these, around 31 were seen crossing the median line and making an entry into Taiwan's ADIZ which stands for air defence identification zone.
These mock drills were started following a visit by Wen to the US, who was on a 1-day trip to Central America. Beijing has often expressed disapproval over Tsai's meeting with McCarthy. Earlier, it had also warned that doing so would mean "strong and resolute measures" against Taiwan, reported CNN.
The tensions continue to soar between both nations as China's ruling Communist Party considers Taiwan to be under its territorial purviews.
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Bejing has been trying hard for decades to take control of Taiwan after pushing it in diplomatic isolation on the international stage. It has also indicated taking full control of Taiwan by using force.
Meanwhile, China displayed similar reactions when former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was on a visit to Taiwan in August last year. Back then also, it had launched multiple drills around Taiwan. Currently, China has said it will continue to carry out "Operation Joint Sword" drills.