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PLA Eastern Theater Command air force conducts training around Taiwan island: official media

Global Times

By Shen Sheng, Liang Rui and Liu Xuanzun Published: Oct 26, 2025 10:09 PM

Multiple units from the air force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command have recently conducted realistic combat training to test their capabilities in key-area reconnaissance and early warning, aerial blockade and precision strikes, the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Sunday.

Several J-10 fighters flew in combat formations to designated target airspace, while multiple H-6K bombers carried out simulated confrontation exercises over the air and sea areas surrounding Taiwan region, the report said.

A Chinese military affairs expert said that drills around the island of Taiwan have become routine preparations aimed at deterring separatist forces and demonstrating China's resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Yu Hehai, a member of a brigade of the PLA Eastern Theater Command Air Force, said that, on the front lines of military operations, they focus on complex and challenging conditions, continuously strengthening full-spectrum, system-wide realistic training to safeguard maritime and air security and accelerate the improvement of combat capabilities to defend national unity, according to the report.

Yao Miling, a member of a regiment of the PLA Eastern Theater Command Air Force, said that from high above the clouds, Taiwan region's coastline is clearly visible. "Defending the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity through our actions and safeguarding the safety and well-being of millions of people is our solemn pledge," CCTV military channel quoted Yao as saying.

The PLA Eastern Theater Command's training was reported following the meeting commemorating the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China, which was held in Beijing on Saturday, the first Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration.

Chinese military affairs expert Zhang Junshe told the Global Times on Sunday that operations around the island of Taiwan, including routine patrols and strike drills, have become normalized as part of practical preparations to counter "Taiwan independence" forces and external interference. These measures are intended to strengthen capabilities to protect national sovereignty and security and to deter separatist activities.

The recent realistic exercises serve both as a message to the international community that the island of Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. The drills showcased forces and weaponry and demonstrated a firm resolve and capability to crush any separatist plots and to safeguard territorial sovereignty and integrity, Zhang said.