29 Military Aircraft Deployed Ahead of NATO Summit, Large-Scale Show of Force
China Unveils New Aerial Tactics Training Amid Heightened Attention on NATO Meeting Outcomes
[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] As the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit approaches, 29 Chinese military aircraft violated Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on the 21st. The Chinese military previously conducted shows of force by deploying 38 aircraft on January 23 and 30 aircraft on May 30. This demonstration is the third largest scale this year.
The state-run Global Times reported that a total of 29 military aircraft, including J-16 fighters, Su-30 fighters, J-11 fighters, H-6 bombers, Y-8 and Y-9 anti-submarine patrol aircraft, KJ-500 early warning aircraft, and Y-20 aerial refueling aircraft, conducted new tactical training across the entire Taiwan maritime area. The Global Times explained the background of the training, stating it was carried out amid the United States' challenge to the "One China" principle and Taiwan's dangerous and radical separatist (independence) movements.
The outlet cited military experts, explaining that the training was conducted ahead of the NATO summit, and predicted that the United States would incite European and Asian countries at the NATO summit to check China. There is also an interpretation that this large-scale aerial show of force was conducted a day before the summit of the five emerging economies (BRICS), aiming to reaffirm the "One China" principle to member countries.
Additionally, there is analysis that the Chinese military scrambled as a warning after the USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of the U.S. 7th Fleet, entered the Philippine Sea.
The Lincoln carries about 80 of the U.S.'s latest stealth fighters, including F-35C and F-18 Super Hornet aircraft. For this reason, it appears that the Chinese military sent early warning aircraft, anti-submarine patrol aircraft, and aerial refueling aircraft along with fighters into Taiwan's ADIZ. This large-scale training is analyzed as a warning message to continuously monitor the U.S. carrier strike group.
The Global Times explained that the Chinese military conducted the training in three groups and noted changes in Chinese air tactics. First, the H-6 strategic bombers and Y-9 reconnaissance aircraft paired up to pass through the Bashi Channel and enter the Philippine Sea, which was pointed out as a training exercise to defend against the U.S. aircraft carrier's approach to the Taiwan Strait. Another group, consisting of 17 fighters, 2 early warning aircraft, and an aerial refueling aircraft, entered the Dongsha Islands to conduct training to secure long-term air superiority. The third group, composed of Y-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft, monitored the southwestern waters of the Taiwan Strait. It was added that the third group performed the role of monitoring enemy underwater infiltration (submarines) and sharing related information.
The outlet quoted military experts saying that it is the first time the Chinese military has conducted such detailed tactical training around Taiwan Island, describing the training as highly combat-oriented.
Professor Han from the China Foreign Affairs University said, "It seems that the United States recently recognizes Taiwan as the most effective card to check China," warning, "If the United States does not uphold the 'One China' principle promised to China, bilateral relations will completely collapse."
China is closely watching the results of the NATO summit while mobilizing a large number of military aircraft, including fighters, near the Taiwan Strait to conduct shows of force.
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