China conducted simulated precision attacks on significant targets in Taiwan during military drills that began on Saturday. The exercises, named “United Sharp Sword,” included tactical maneuvers by the Chinese navy, and simulated joint precision strikes on key targets on Taiwan Island and in the surrounding waters.
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported detecting 58 PLA warplanes over the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, 31 of which crossed the median line into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, and nine PLA navy vessels.
The military drills, which continue until Monday, were launched by Beijing in response to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s 10-day visit to Central America and the US, where she met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. China regards Taiwan as its territory, although it has never ruled it, and has repeatedly sought to isolate it diplomatically.