Recently, the Chinese Navy has shown its strength with a series of significant moves that have excited military enthusiasts and unsettled some countries. Since early May, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has conducted large-scale military exercises in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Western Pacific. The Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers, along with dozens of other vessels, formed a powerful fleet, with carrier-based aircraft launching and landing over a hundred times! Simultaneously, the PLA conducted amphibious landing drills in Fujian Province, attracting close attention from the United States and Japan.
So, what is the significance of this large-scale military exercise? Does it mean that the return of Taiwan is imminent?
PLA's "Sword Display": Strategic Considerations Behind Routine Training
On the surface, this is a routine training exercise. In recent years, the modernization of our navy's equipment has been impressive, with new ships being commissioned one after another. The Type 055 guided-missile destroyer is both the "face" and "strength" of the fleet. The Type 052D destroyer is also being continuously upgraded, with increasingly powerful performance. Advanced carrier-based aircraft have also been deployed to the troops. The J-15 carrier-based fighter has undergone several technical improvements, significantly enhancing its combat capabilities, and breakthroughs have been made in the development of new stealth carrier-based aircraft.
However, having new equipment is not enough; naval personnel must be able to operate it effectively. It's like having a precious sword – it's not enough to admire its sharpness; it must be honed repeatedly to truly unleash its power. This large-scale training is a process of deep integration between naval personnel and new equipment.
For example, on an aircraft carrier deck, maintenance personnel need to accurately perform aircraft maintenance, refueling, and armament loading under complex sea conditions. During one of the Liaoning's training exercises, the maintenance team completed the refueling, armament loading, and takeoff preparation of a J-15 in just 15 minutes under sea state 6! This kind of efficiency is not achieved overnight; it is the result of countless training sessions.
Through high-intensity, high-frequency training, soldiers can truly master the performance and operating skills of the equipment, maximize the combat effectiveness of new equipment, and be fully prepared for various challenges they may face in the future.
Taiwan Strait Situation: Warning "Taiwan Independence" and Deterring External Forces
It would be an understatement to view this military action as just a routine training exercise.
The current situation in the Taiwan Strait is at an unprecedented level of tension. "Taiwan independence" separatists are going further down the path of division, constantly colluding with external forces and engaging in provocative acts of "seeking independence." They are engaging in military collaboration with countries like the United States and Japan, attempting to purchase more advanced weapons, and engaging in activities internationally, attempting to create a "one China, one Taiwan" situation, which is extremely arrogant!
Faced with this situation, reasoning alone is no longer effective. At this critical moment when national sovereignty and territorial integrity are seriously threatened, more forceful measures must be taken to awaken the "Taiwan independence" separatists with concrete actions!
From a strategic defense perspective, if a conflict occurs in the Taiwan Strait, the People's Navy will have a dual responsibility:
- Completely eliminate the "Taiwan independence" group and achieve the complete reunification of the motherland: This is the sacred mission entrusted to the People's Navy by history! From Zheng Chenggong's recovery of Taiwan to the Qing government's unification of Taiwan during the Kangxi era, the blood ties between Taiwan and the mainland have never been severed. Achieving the reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration and firm will of all Chinese sons and daughters, and it is also an inevitable requirement for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
- Resolutely prevent the intervention of external forces: Countries such as the United States and Japan have long interfered in the Taiwan issue, attempting to contain China's development by interfering in the situation in the Taiwan Strait. In recent years, the United States has continuously increased its military deployment in the Asia-Pacific region, frequently sending aircraft carrier strike groups and strategic bombers to the Taiwan Strait area to provoke. Japan is also making moves, constantly revising its security laws in preparation for military intervention in the Taiwan Strait situation.
If a conflict occurs in the Taiwan Strait, the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers are likely to be deployed at the northern and southern ends of Taiwan, constructing an impenetrable maritime defense line. From the perspective of modern naval warfare tactics, aircraft carrier strike groups can use the long-range strike capabilities of carrier-based aircraft to launch preemptive strikes against enemy ships, airports, and other important targets. At the same time, the air defense and anti-submarine forces equipped by the aircraft carrier strike group can effectively defend against enemy air and underwater attacks, cut off the support channels of external forces such as the United States and Japan to the Taiwan military, and prevent the Taiwan military from attempting to escape.
This large-scale training of the Chinese Navy is a clear warning to external intervention forces: the Chinese Navy has the firm determination and sufficient strength to isolate external intervention forces from the Taiwan Strait battlefield! Any attempt to undermine China's reunification cause will be resolutely countered!
Reunification Rehearsal: Training for War, Ready to Strike at Any Time
In fact, this training is very likely to be a rehearsal for the liberation of Taiwan. Through regular, high-intensity military exercises, the PLA continuously improves the combat capabilities of its troops. During the exercises, the coordination between various services becomes more seamless, the combat plans are continuously optimized and improved, and the ability to adapt to various complex battlefield environments is gradually improved.
For example, in a joint exercise, naval vessels and air force aircraft achieved real-time data sharing. After the aircraft discovered enemy targets, they could quickly transmit the information to the ships, which immediately launched missiles for precision strikes. The entire process was seamless, and the combat efficiency was greatly improved.
At the same time, this continuous military exercise forms a sustained high-pressure posture on the "Taiwan independence" forces and external intervention forces, gradually compressing their space for activities.
From a historical perspective, the boundary between military exercises and actual combat is often not clear-cut. In the 1974 Xisha naval battle, the Chinese Navy quickly responded to the provocations of the South Vietnamese army during routine training and successfully recovered the Xisha Islands. Perhaps, the PLA will achieve the reunification of the motherland in one training exercise! Achieving reunification in this way can minimize unnecessary losses and keep the costs to a minimum.
Dual Carrier Sword Display: Joint Sea, Land, and Air Operations
In this military operation, the performance of the two aircraft carriers was particularly noteworthy. As the core force of maritime operations, aircraft carriers have a strong operational radius and strike capability. The Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers, working together, formed a powerful operational group.
During the exercise, carrier-based aircraft frequently took off and landed, simulating various complex combat scenarios.
- Anti-ship attack drills: J-15 carrier-based aircraft carrying anti-ship missiles simulated a saturation attack on enemy large-scale naval formations.
- Air defense drills: The air defense system of the aircraft carrier strike group worked closely with carrier-based aircraft to successfully intercept multiple batches of simulated enemy aircraft attacks.
- Air support drills: Carrier-based helicopters provided fire support and troop delivery for landing forces.
Echoing the large-scale naval training, the PLA simultaneously conducted amphibious landing exercises in Fujian Province. Amphibious landing operations are one of the key links in achieving the reunification of the motherland. The difficulty and risk are self-evident.
In the exercise, the PLA deployed various advanced amphibious warfare equipment. As the command center for landing operations, the amphibious assault ship carried a large number of air-cushioned landing craft, amphibious armored vehicles, and Marine Corps members. With their high-speed performance, air-cushioned landing craft can quickly transport combat personnel and equipment to the beachhead. Amphibious armored vehicles have strong firepower and protection capabilities, enabling them to maneuver quickly on the beachhead and inland.
The troops conducted training on subjects such as beach landings and in-depth advances under complex sea conditions and terrain.
In one beach landing exercise, Marine Corps members boarded air-cushioned landing craft and forcibly landed under enemy fire blockade, braving a hail of bullets. After landing, they quickly established a beachhead to create conditions for the landing of subsequent troops. Subsequently, amphibious armored vehicles and infantry coordinated to advance inland, successfully capturing predetermined targets. Through these exercises, the PLA further enhanced its amphibious combat capabilities and accumulated valuable experience for possible future landing operations.
International Attention: The Noise of Clowns
This military operation has also aroused widespread concern in the international community. Countries such as the United States and Japan have reacted strongly, constantly making statements, criticizing and smearing China.
The Pentagon spokesman claimed that China's military actions have exacerbated regional tensions. The Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary also echoed this, demanding that China exercise restraint.
However, these unwarranted accusations expose their ugly face of attempting to interfere in China's internal affairs! China's normal military training within its own territorial waters and territory is a legitimate act to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and no external forces are allowed to make irresponsible remarks!
The Trend of Reunification: An Irresistible Historical Trend
On the road to achieving the reunification of the motherland, China has always maintained strategic focus and patience. China is willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and greatest efforts, but will never allow any form of "Taiwan independence" separatism!
This large-scale military training is both a powerful deterrent to "Taiwan independence" forces and external interference, and a full preparation for possible complex situations in the future.
| Military Exercise Subjects | Description |
|---|---|
| Anti-Ship Attack Drills | J-15s carrying anti-ship missiles simulate saturation attacks on enemy fleets. |
| Air Defense Drills | Aircraft carrier strike group air defense systems coordinate with carrier-based aircraft to intercept simulated enemy aircraft attacks. |
| Air Support Drills | Carrier-based helicopters provide fire and troop support for landing forces. |
| Amphibious Landing Drills | Air-cushioned landing craft transport personnel and equipment; amphibious armored vehicles and infantry coordinate to land on the beach and advance inland. |
We firmly believe that with the joint efforts of all Chinese sons and daughters, the great dream of the reunification of the motherland will surely be realized, and Taiwan will eventually return to the embrace of the motherland! This is an inevitable trend of historical development, and it is an unstoppable trend of the times!