PLA sends in 100+ warplanes on day 1 of military drills near Taiwan
- Beijing steps up extensive exercises in an unprecedented war game deemed a de facto blockade of the island
- Taiwan’s armed forces say an unidentified aircraft was found flying over Quemoy and troops fired flares to warn the drone away
More than 100 PLA warplanes including fighters and bombers were sent on a range of reconnaissance and support missions on Thursday, the first day of a massive exercise by Beijing around Taiwan, according to the Eastern Theatre Command.
According to footage from state broadcaster CCTV, the aircraft included the People’s Liberation Army’s most advanced stealth fighter, the J-20, and the newly introduced aerial oil tanker, the Y-20U.
In addition, more than 10 destroyers were sent in, blocking access to the areas and helping coordinate tests, CCTV reported.
DF missiles launched
The island’s defence ministry said the 11 DF series missiles were fired between 1.56pm and 4pm. It is the first time mainland missiles have flown over the island.
“The defence ministry condemned the irrational actions to undermine regional peace,” it said.
