CHINESE state media has reported that a group of H-6K strategic bombers recently conducted “simulated confrontation drills” near Taiwan, just days before US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet in South Korea.
Reuters cited that according to the report broadcast on state television’s military channel via Weibo, units from China’s Eastern Theatre Command carried out combat-oriented exercises to test capabilities in areas such as air blockades and precision strikes.
“Several J-10 fighters flew in combat formation to a designated target airspace, and multiple H-6K bombers went to the waters and airspace around Taiwan island to carry out simulated confrontation drills,” the report said, though it did not specify when or where the drills took place.
The H-6K bomber is a long-range aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons. China’s defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment, while Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence also declined to comment.
The Chinese state broadcaster added that “defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity through concrete actions and safeguarding the peace and happiness of hundreds of millions of people is our solemn commitment.”
The accompanying footage showed bombs being released from aircraft, with one air force officer stating that “the coast of Taiwan can be clearly made out,” though it was unclear from the video whether land was visible.
Taiwan’s defence ministry, in its daily update on Chinese military movements, reported only limited activity over the previous 24 hours, with four Chinese aircraft — three fighter jets in the Taiwan Strait and one support aircraft southwest of the island — detected.
The development comes as Trump and Xi prepare to meet later this week on the sidelines of a regional summit in Seoul to discuss their ongoing trade dispute. Trump said on Sunday that he was confident about reaching a trade agreement with Xi, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Taiwan “should not be concerned” about the talks.
Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to achieve reunification, by force if necessary. Taiwan’s democratically elected government, however, rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, asserting that only its people can decide the island’s future.
Speaking to two Taiwanese YouTubers on Saturday, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed his stance on self-determination and national defence, saying peace must be backed by strength.
“We have ideals about peace, but cannot have illusions to believe that an agreement on a piece of paper can achieve peace,” Lai said.
China has dismissed Lai’s offers of dialogue, labelling him a “separatist”. On the same day, a senior Chinese official reiterated that Beijing continues to seek “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan, marking the 80th anniversary of the island’s return to Chinese administration from Japan at the end of World War Two. - October 27, 2025
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