Beijing: China has once again demonstrated its military assertiveness in the Taiwan Strait, sending long-range bombers and fighter jets to conduct what it described as “combat-oriented drills” near Taiwan. The announcement, made through Chinese state media on Monday, comes just days before a highly anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea a summit expected to focus heavily on trade, security, and regional stability.
According to China’s state broadcaster CCTV, the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command deployed several H-6K strategic bombers and J-10 fighter jets to carry out simulated confrontation exercises around Taiwan. The bombers, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, reportedly flew “around the island” to test coordination and strike readiness. The military statement framed the operation as a “solemn mission” to defend China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, however, dismissed the reports as psychological warfare. It said it tracked only four Chinese aircraft on Monday three fighters operating in the Taiwan Strait and one support aircraft to the southwest of the island. The ministry accused Beijing of conducting an “information operation designed to intimidate” and reaffirmed that Taiwan’s armed forces are closely monitoring all movements to ensure national security.
The timing of the drills has drawn international attention, particularly as they come just before Trump and Xi meet to discuss economic and geopolitical issues in Asia. Analysts view Beijing’s move as a deliberate show of force aimed at strengthening its bargaining position and reminding Washington that Taiwan remains a non-negotiable core interest. The exercises also serve as a message to Taipei, which Beijing accuses of pursuing separatist policies under President Lai Ching-te.
President Lai, in a recent statement, reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to peace but warned that it must be “a peace built on strength.” Lai stressed that the island’s future “can only be decided by its people,” rejecting Beijing’s sovereignty claims and warning against illusions that dialogue alone could guarantee stability. China, meanwhile, continues to label Lai a “dangerous separatist,” accusing him of undermining the “One China” principle.
Military analysts say Beijing’s deployment of H-6K bombers near Taiwan is symbolic but significant. The aircraft, designed for long-range missions, can carry both conventional and nuclear payloads. Their appearance near the island highlights China’s growing readiness to use strategic aviation as a tool of deterrence and intimidation. The PLA’s emphasis on “encirclement” exercises reflects its evolving tactics in the grey zone the space between peace and open conflict where sustained pressure seeks to wear down Taiwan’s resolve without triggering full-scale confrontation.
For Washington, the incident complicates an already delicate diplomatic landscape. While the Trump–Xi meeting is expected to focus on trade and economic cooperation, security tensions around Taiwan will inevitably shadow the discussions. The United States remains Taiwan’s most important security partner under the Taiwan Relations Act, which obliges Washington to help the island defend itself, even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
The broader Indo-Pacific region is watching closely. Japan and South Korea, both U.S. allies, have expressed growing concern over China’s expanding military presence in nearby waters. ASEAN nations, too, are wary that a potential escalation in the Taiwan Strait could disrupt regional trade and maritime stability.
Ultimately, China’s bomber drills appear designed to achieve multiple objectives: domestic propaganda, deterrence against Taiwan, and diplomatic posturing ahead of high-level talks. But they also underscore a dangerous reality that the Taiwan Strait remains one of the world’s most volatile flashpoints, where military signalling can easily spiral into confrontation.
As the Trump–Xi summit approaches, both Washington and Beijing face a critical test: whether they can manage competition without conflict. For Taiwan, the message is equally clear the island must continue to walk a fine line between defending its sovereignty and avoiding the provocation that could ignite a crisis in East Asia.