"Simulated combat exercises": China practices attack on Taiwan shortly before Trump summit

Beijing considers Taiwan a renegade province and threatens to invade it. Ahead of US President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi, the security situation on the small island is worsening. US Secretary of State Rubio is attempting to reassure the situation.

China simulated an attack on Taiwan with a military exercise near the island, Chinese state media reported. The exercise was announced just days before a scheduled meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in South Korea. According to reports, military units practiced air blockades and precision strikes.

Several H-6K strategic bombers flew into the waters and airspace around the island of Taiwan to conduct "simulated combat exercises." In a video released by state media, a pilot claims that Taiwan's coast is "clearly visible." No comment was immediately available from the Chinese and Taiwanese defense ministries.

Trump and Xi plan to meet on the sidelines of a regional summit in South Korea to discuss their trade dispute. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Taiwan should not be concerned about the talks. The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense, which reports daily on Chinese military activities, had recently reported no unusual incidents. The US is committed to securing Taiwan's defense capability but does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with the island.

The government in Beijing considers democratically governed Taiwan a renegade province and threatens conquest. A senior Chinese official recently called for "peaceful reunification." Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, however, emphasized in an interview that peace must be based on strength. "We cannot indulge in the illusion that an agreement on a piece of paper can bring peace," he said. China rejects talks with Lai, calling him a "separatist."