China announces successful completion of military exercises around Taiwan, operations temporarily concluded

On the second day of China's military exercises encircling Taiwan on the 5th, Chinese warships were sailing in the waters off Pingtan Island, Fujian Province, closest to Taiwan. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has indicated that it will conclude its joint military operations around Taiwan. However, it stated that combat readiness patrols will be conducted on a regular basis.

Sui, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command responsible for Taiwan, announced on the 10th via the official WeChat account of the Eastern Theater Command, "The Eastern Theater Command recently organized multiple service branches to conduct a series of joint military operations in the maritime and airspace areas surrounding Taiwan Island, successfully completing various missions and effectively assessing the integrated joint operational capabilities of the troops."

He added, "The Eastern Theater Command troops are closely monitoring changes in the situation in the Taiwan Strait and will continuously carry out training and combat readiness. They will regularly organize combat readiness alert and patrols directed towards Taiwan to resolutely safeguard the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

This statement is interpreted as signaling the conclusion of the large-scale military exercises around Taiwan that began on the 4th in response to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, while indicating that regular shows of force will continue going forward.

Previously, the Chinese military conducted military drills in response to Speaker Pelosi's arrival in Taiwan on the 2nd.

In particular, six training zones were established in a manner encircling Taiwan, with announcements that important military exercises and live-fire drills would be conducted from noon on the 4th to noon on the 7th. Following this, on the 4th, high-intensity shows of force were carried out, including long-range artillery firing and missile launches over Taiwan's airspace.

The Chinese military has continued joint live-fire exercises beyond the originally announced period, sending military aircraft and warships across the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which is considered the de facto boundary between Taiwan and China, conducting similar drills on the 8th and 9th as well.