The People's Liberation Army (PLA)'s drills in the Taiwan Strait show its "all-weather" combat readiness and capabilities, military experts said on Monday.
The PLA Eastern Theater Command on Monday organized army, navy, air force and rocket force troops to conduct "Joint Sword-2024B" drills in the Taiwan Strait and the north, south and east of the island of Taiwan.
The Liaoning aircraft carrier group participated in the drill, said Li Xi, spokesperson of the Eastern Theater Command.
During the military exercise, the air and sea forces coordinated with each other as the Liaoning aircraft carrier group deployed at a choke point east of Taiwan island, with the bomber formation breaking the "first island chain" and conducting joint exercises with the aircraft carrier group.
"What does an aircraft carrier do? An aircraft carrier is a portable airport on the sea, and it has a relatively larger combat radius. So its presence reflects the great improvement on our army's cooperative combat and joint operation capability so as to be ready for any such situation in the future," said Meng Xiangqing, a professor at the National Defense University of Chinese People's Liberation Army.
The operations were accompanied by patrols of China Coast Guard vessels, showcasing the PLA's enhanced joint command and combat capabilities.
The exercises also simulated blockades of key ports, presenting the PLA's ability to conduct such operations if necessary. "In this drill, we enriched our operation pattern including sea-air combat police patrol, the containment of key ports and areas, jointly seizing air and sea control and long-range precision strikes on critical targets. Meanwhile, we employed flexible organization of fire units and strike modules. It can be seen that the PLA's toolbox is getting more resourceful and its fist is getting stronger," said Zhang Chi, associate professor at National Defense University of Chinese People's Liberation Army. The exercises commenced overnight into Monday, with forces rapidly deploying and initiating military deterrence actions by 05:00, and experts say the drills send out a clear signal of the PLA's combat capabilities and readiness.
"What do [the drills] imply? They imply that the combat readiness level of our army is very high, at all times. Last night the Eastern Theater Command issued a poster with just four words 'be ready for battle'. That means delivering all-weather battle readiness, ready to fight at any time," Meng said.
PLA drills shows "all-weather" capacity, combat readiness: military experts
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called for an immediate, complete and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a telephone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz. Wang also called for unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Wang said that the international community is deeply worried about the prolonged escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
Noting that all lives are equally precious, regardless of nationality or ethnicity, Wang said that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza must end and that countering violence with violence cannot truly address the legitimate concerns of all parties.
Pointing out that the conflict in Gaza has once again demonstrated that the Palestinian question remains a core issue in the Middle East, Wang said the voices of the international community are clear, which hope all parties return to the political path of a "two-state solution" as soon as possible. Doing so would realize the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine and the harmonious coexistence of the Jewish and Arab peoples. This is the right way to achieve stability and lasting security for all parties, including Israel, Wang said.
Wang said that China is highly concerned about the tension between Israel and Iran and believes that renewed conflict and turmoil in the region serves the interests of no one. Wang stated that China urges all parties to proceed with caution to prevent falling into a vicious circle. He said China is not self-interested in the Middle East and never engages in geopolitical contest. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has always stood on the side of peace, international law and truth and will continue to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation and restoring peace in the region, Wang said.
Wang stressed that United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is mandated by Security Council resolutions to carry out peacekeeping missions, adding that the Israeli side should take concrete measures to ensure the safety of UNIFIL personnel.
The two sides also exchanged views on China-Israel relations. Katz said that developing relations with China is an established policy in Israel and serves the common interests of the two countries, adding that the Israeli government abides by its consistent position on the Taiwan question.
Wang said that China maintains continuity and stability in its policy toward Israel and is willing to resume exchanges in all aspects as soon as possible when the situation eases and promote the sustainable development of the innovative comprehensive partnership between the two countries.
Wang said he hopes the Israeli side will take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and nationals in Israel.
Chinese FM calls for complete, permanent ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages
