China claims to have simulated an attack on Taiwan

A few days before a scheduled meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the People's Republic's military released a video purporting to show a simulation of an attack on Taiwan . According to state media, Chinese military units were "recently" training precision strikes and blockades in the sea and airspace surrounding the island republic.

J-10 jets flew in combat formation toward a specific target area, and nuclear-capable H-6K bombers entered the airspace around Taiwan for "simulated combat exercises," it was reported. An Air Force officer was quoted as saying that the coast of Taiwan was "clearly visible" in the video. However, the exact date of the maneuver was not disclosed.

"Clear propaganda campaign"

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense dismissed the reports as "clearly a propaganda effort to intimidate." It added that recent observations had shown no significant increase in the number of airspace violations by China.

China views democratic and self-governing Taiwan as a renegade province that must be reunified with the motherland—if necessary by military force. Recently, the leadership in Beijing has dramatically increased military, economic, and political pressure on the island.

USA reassures Taiwan

Although the United States, like most countries, does not maintain official diplomatic relations with the government in Taipei, it is Taiwan's most important international supporter and arms supplier. Analysts see the release of the Chinese video as a possible signal from Beijing ahead of the summit between Trump and Xi. The two leaders are scheduled to meet in South Korea this Thursday.

The main agenda item is the trade conflict between the two largest economies. However, security issues are also likely to be addressed – including the tense situation surrounding Taiwan. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured that the island republic has nothing to worry about regarding the talks between Trump and Xi. "No one" is considering abandoning Taiwan as part of a trade agreement with China.

wa/pg (afp, rtr, dpa)