What would be the regional and international consequences of a prolonged Chinese blockade of Taiwan?
Last week, the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) engaged in “joint combat training exercises” in the northern, south-western and south-eastern waters and airspace off the coast of Taiwan.
This involved the deployment of troops from the Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, Strategic Support Force and Logistic Support Force.
According to China’s Ministry of National Defense, the activities focused on joint blockade, sea target assault, strike on ground targets, airspace control operation, and joint combat capabilities.
This reportedly involved the firing of 11 ballistic missiles.
The PLA’s exercise also involved air activities around Taiwanese airspace, including the deployment of six Shenyang J-11 and five Shenyang J-16 fighter jets, and 16 Sukhoi SU-30 fighter aircraft.
This was in addition to almost daily breaches of Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ).