China's PLA Simulates Strikes and Blocks Support Lines in Taiwan Strait

The image depicts the aircraft carrier Shandong docked at a naval port in Sanya. The Shandong, China's first domestically-built aircraft carrier, was officially commissioned to the PLA Navy on December 17, 2019, at a military port in Sanya, Hainan Province. This event positioned China among the few nations globally with multiple aircraft carriers.

The Shandong aircraft carrier task group of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted exercises designed to disrupt the "three lines" of support for "Taiwan independence" forces. These lines include their energy import lifeline, external military aid support, and potential escape routes.

The PLA Eastern Theater Command deployed the Shandong aircraft carrier task group, in conjunction with naval and air units, for military drills east of Taiwan island. These exercises encompassed vessel-aircraft coordination, establishing air superiority, and striking both ground and maritime targets. The drills aimed to assess the troops' capabilities in integrated operations, multi-dimensional blockade and control, and joint operations across multiple services.

According to a professor at the National Defense University, the Shandong carrier task group rapidly maneuvered to the east of Taiwan during the drills, demonstrating the PLA's enhanced capabilities in rapid response, precision strikes, and systematic coordination. The integration of this strategic platform into the joint operation system showcased the PLA's strength.

PLA carrier groups have regularly conducted exercises beyond the island chain in recent years, often in areas east of Taiwan. The positioning of the aircraft carriers during these drills strategically targeted key points, forming a strong maritime barrier. This action aimed to prevent external interference and suppress "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces.

The presence of the Shandong aircraft carrier task group east of Taiwan island is intended to disrupt the "three lines" of support for "Taiwan independence" forces. These forces have long held the belief that the mainland would not launch an attack and that external forces would intervene. The drills, particularly those involving aircraft carrier task groups, send a clear message to "Taiwan independence" forces that their escape and external support routes can be completely severed.