BEIJING - On Monday, China announced that its fighter jets had carried out military exercises near Taiwan with live ammunition. The state broadcaster CCTV reported that multiple batches of H-6K fighter jets had conducted multiple waves of simulated strikes on important targets on Taiwan Island. The H-6K is a strategic bomber that can carry a variety of missiles and bombs and is capable of attacking ground and naval targets.

In addition to the fighter jets, China's Shandong aircraft carrier was also involved in the ongoing exercises, according to the Chinese military's Eastern Theatre Command. The Shandong is China's second aircraft carrier and was commissioned in late 2019. It is the first carrier to be built entirely in China and is equipped with modern combat systems and aircraft.

The announcement of these military exercises is likely to further escalate tensions between China and Taiwan, which have been at odds over issues such as Taiwan's independence and China's claims to the island. The United States and other countries in the region have also expressed concern over China's increasing military activities in the area.