State media in China reported that the aircraft carrier Shandong has been deployed in exercises near Taiwan for the first time. The report from China Central Television (CCTV) indicates that the carrier joined a series of patrols and drills in the surrounding waters, highlighting intensified naval activity as part of what Beijing described as ongoing readiness operations along the Taiwan Strait. The crew and ships aboard Shandong were shown during maneuvers that included simulated blocking and maneuvering exercises intended to mirror a blockade scenario around Taiwan.
Taiwan’s defense authorities issued updates about the presence of a sizable PLA air component as exercises intensified on the second day in the water region and airspace surrounding the island. The Taiwan Defence Department stated that approximately 70 People’s Liberation Army aircraft were detected approaching Taiwan during this period, underscoring a broad and persistent aerial footprint near the island. The planners behind these operations have aimed to demonstrate aerial and maritime reach while testing response protocols and the readiness of Taiwan’s own forces to monitor, identify, and respond to intrusions within the Assigned Surveillance Zone.
Across the reported activities, multiple types of military aircraft were catalogued as participating in the near-Taiwan operations. J-10, J-11, and J-16 fighter jets were confirmed in the airspace, complemented by H-6 strategic bombers and Y-20 airlift aircraft, among other units. Observers note that the mix of fighters, bombers, and transport planes reflects a multi-domain training profile designed to simulate coordinated pressure on multiple axes and to test command-and-control workflows under stress. Such formations are frequently interpreted as messaging about deterrence and defense postures in the region, as well as indicators of the PLA’s capability to sustain operations over extended periods near sensitive waters and airspace.
Further details from authorities indicated that a portion of the detected PLA aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait during these exercises. The midline crossing, a notable indicator in many past incidents, has prompted discussions about the scale, timing, and potential implications for regional stability. While official briefings provided limited specifics on the broader regional impact, analysts observe that these movements are part of a broader pattern of routine military activity that accompanies ongoing drills and force-generating activities in the area. The information highlights the importance for regional observers to monitor maritime routes, air corridors, and the readiness of allied and partner forces to respond to evolving situations in the Western Pacific.