China’s drills around Taiwan: key questions

Key questions on China’s “Joint Sword” operation against Taiwan

China has launched three days of military drills intended to intimidate self-ruled Taiwan after a US visit by Taipei’s President Tsai Ing-wen angered Beijing.

Here are some key questions and answers about China’s “Joint Sword” operation:

The Chinese military has deployed ships, fighter jets and missiles in the sea around Taiwan to send a “serious warning against Taiwan independence separatist forces”, according to state media.

The drills, which began on Saturday, include patrols around the island and the rehearsal of “simulated joint precision strikes against key targets” as well as an “encirclement and deterrence posture” around Taiwan.

“Dozens” of J-18 and J-10C fighter jets have been deployed in the operation, alongside anti-submarine aircraft, according to the official CCTV.

China has also brought out its PHL-191 rocket launcher systems and YJ-12B land-based anti-ship missiles, the state-run Global Times reported.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said as many as nine Chinese warships had been detected around the island on Saturday.