PLA Conducts Long-Range Live-Fire Drills in the East China Sea Amid "Strait Thunder-2025A" Exercise

The Ground Force of the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) initiated extensive live-fire exercises in the East China Sea as part of their planned operations for the "Strait Thunder-2025A" drill. Senior Colonel Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the PLA, reported that the exercises focused on precise strikes aimed at simulated critical infrastructure, including major ports and energy facilities, achieving their intended outcomes effectively.

The PLA Eastern Theater Command elaborated on the strategic objectives of these live-fire exercises, highlighting their role in controlling energy corridors, disrupting supply chains, and preventing escape routes. These formidable drills are structured to send a clear message about counteracting the path of "independence" claims related to Taiwan, emphasizing a strong stance against any aspirations for separation that might escalate conflicts in the region.

Fu Zhengnan, a military expert from the PLA's Academy of Military Science, expressed that the long-range live-fire activities are especially notable as they contribute significantly to deterring forces advocating for "Taiwan independence." With the PLA's evolving comprehensive military capabilities, the potential for decisive action against these movements has greatly increased. A video from the exercises illustrated the rapid deployment of multiple modular rocket launcher systems, which are designed for targeting specific military objectives related to Taiwan.

The modular rocket launcher system is often referred to as a "cross-Straits killing machine," praised for its long range, precision accuracy, and considerable firepower, which collectively enhance its effectiveness against the island of Taiwan. Fu highlighted that the system can successfully target key sites with extreme precision, leaving no safe haven for "Taiwan independence" advocates. The system's mobility also enables it to remain concealed, supporting its survivability in combat scenarios while maintaining versatility across both maritime and land targets.

Additionally, its cost-effectiveness allows for widespread deployment without the financial burden typically associated with traditional missile systems. The strategic orientation of the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises reflects the PLA's continual readiness for actual combat, portraying a formidable deterrence aimed directly at those pushing for Taiwanese independence and signaling that such actions could lead to conflict.