China simulates strikes on Taiwan during military drills

Reuters writes about it.

"Under the unified command of the theater joint operations command center, multiple types of units carried out simulated joint precision strikes on key targets on Taiwan island and the surrounding sea areas, and continue to maintain an offensive posture around the island," Chinese state television said.

Reuters' own sources also reported that China conducted simulated air and naval attacks on "foreign military targets" in the waters off Taiwan's southwestern coast.

In turn, Taiwan's defense ministry said 58 Chinese aircraft, including Su-30 fighter jets and H-6 bombers, and nine ships were spotted near the island on Sunday. The ministry noted that the air defense forces are on high alert.

It reiterated that Taiwan's forces will "not escalate conflicts nor cause disputes" and would respond "appropriately" to China's drills.

Reuters also notes that military expert Zhao Xiaozhuo of China's Academy of Military Sciences told the Chinese state-backed Global Times newspaper this was the first time China had openly talked of simulated attacks on targets in Taiwan.

China announced three days of military drills around Taiwan after the island's leader visited the US and met with the speaker of the House of Representatives.