According to information published by Global Times on April 11, 2023, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) successfully concluded its "Joint Sword" exercises, which involved encircling the island of Taiwan.
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Chinese PLA Navy's aircraft carrier Shandong. (Picture source: Chinese MoD)
The Shandong aircraft carrier group, comprised of the aircraft carrier Shandong, a Type 055 10,000-ton class destroyer, a Type 052D destroyer, two Type 054A frigates, and a Type 901 comprehensive replenishment ship, participated in the final day of the exercises.
The PLA Navy's Flotilla 17 was also involved in the drills. Training missions included maritime blockades, assaults on fleeing hostile vessels, and joint blockade and joint strike drills with other military services and branches.
During the exercises, several destroyers and frigates conducted suppressive combat patrol missions, which involved training courses such as assaults on fleeing hostile vessels and maritime blockades.
The PLA warships initiated these activities from within the Taiwan Straits and waters to the northwest, southwest, and east of Taiwan.
J-15 carrier-borne fighter jets were also involved in the exercises, with the defense authority of Taiwan confirming the presence of four J-15 fighter jets flying above waters to the east of the island.
Japan's Ministry of Defense Joint Staff reported that the Shandong hosted about 80 fighter jet sorties and 40 helicopter sorties between Friday and Sunday in waters to the east and southeast of Taiwan.
The exercises highlighted the Shandong aircraft carrier group's crucial role in blocking Taiwan vessels from fleeing the island, as well as preventing possible reinforcements by external forces such as the United States and Japan.
Other military services and branches continued to work closely together during the exercises, simulating joint blockades and information-fire integrated strikes on Taiwan.
The PLA Rocket Force, known for its "aircraft carrier killer" anti-ship ballistic missiles, practiced tactics including rapid response, ambush, and monitoring.
The force tracked maritime moving targets before carrying out large waves of mock strikes, demonstrating its ability to deny medium-sized and large warships from accessing waters around Taiwan.
