China flexes military muscle near Taiwan before US–China talks

BEIJING/TAIPEI: A squadron of Chinese H-6K bombers has carried out what Beijing called “confrontation drills” near Taiwan, according to a Reuters report. The exercise, shown on China’s state military channel, comes just days before US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet in South Korea.

Simulated drills near Taiwan

In a post on Weibo, China’s Eastern Theatre Command described the operation as “combat-oriented training” meant to test air blockade and precision strike capabilities. The report said several J-10 fighter jets flew in formation while multiple H-6K bombers carried out mock confrontation drills around Taiwan. Beijing didn’t specify when or exactly where the exercise took place.

The H-6K, a long-range bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons, was featured in video clips showing bombs being dropped. One air force officer in the footage remarked that “the coast of Taiwan can be clearly made out,” although the video itself didn’t confirm how close the planes actually were to the island.

Taipei dismisses exercise as psychological warfare

Taiwan’s defence ministry quickly condemned the move, describing it as a “cognitive warfare” tactic designed to intimidate the public.

“This is a public-opinion operation aimed at spreading fear,” the ministry said in a statement. “We urge citizens to remain calm and united in defending our democracy and homeland.”

While Chinese aircraft routinely fly around Taiwan, Taipei noted that recent activity had been relatively quiet. On Monday, the ministry reported only four Chinese aircraft—three fighter jets and one support plane—operating near the island in the past 24 hours.

China’s defence ministry has yet to comment on the drills. However, state media framed the exercises as evidence of Beijing’s “firm commitment” to protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Diplomatic tensions rise ahead of summit

The timing of the exercises has raised eyebrows internationally, coming just before a high-stakes meeting between Xi and Trump in South Korea. The summit is expected to focus on trade and regional security.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio tried to reassure Taipei ahead of the talks, saying Taiwan “should not be concerned” about the discussions.

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, speaking in an interview over the weekend, emphasised that peace depends on strength. The president stressed that while everyone desires peace, they cannot rely on words alone to achieve it. His administration has boosted defence spending in recent years to strengthen deterrence.

Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has brushed off Lai’s calls for dialogue, labelling him a “separatist.” Over the weekend, a senior Chinese official marked the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s postwar handover by again calling for “peaceful reunification”—a message that contrasted sharply with the bomber drills over the Taiwan Strait.