Chinese state media releases video of military drills around Taiwan

Chinese state television on Thursday (May 23) released footage of military drills it held around Taiwan, in what it said was a response to "separatist acts" as state media denounced newly inaugurated President Lai Ching-te.

 

The video released by CCTV showed navy vessels sailing out at sea and air force gearing up for fighter jet taking off to participate in the joint combat training exercise.

 

The Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) said it had started joint military drills, involving the army, navy, air force and rocket force, in areas around Taiwan at 7:45 a.m. (2345 GMT).

 

The drills are being conducted in the Taiwan Strait, the north, south and east of Taiwan, as well as areas around the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu and Dongyin, the command said in a statement.

 

Chinese state media said China sent out dozens of fighter jets carrying live missiles, and conducted mock strikes, along with warships, of high value military targets.