Eleven Chinese military aircraft conducted joint training in the Western Pacific.

【11 flights of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) military aircraft made long-range ocean voyages early in the morning, heading directly to the Western Pacific】

At 1:10 p.m. on February 11, the Taiwanese military announced that since 7:44 a.m., they have continuously detected 11 flights of PLA J-16, H-6K, and Y-20 refueling aircraft conducting maritime activities. After entering the airspace over the southwest of Taiwan, these military aircraft proceeded deep into the sea, crossed the Bashi Channel, and entered the Western Pacific for long-range oceanic training and combined air-sea exercises. However, this was just the number of military aircraft that the PLA dispatched in the morning. It is estimated that more military aircraft may continue to go to sea, and the exact number of military aircraft that conducted long-range oceanic voyages on February 11 will likely be announced by the Taiwanese military on the morning of February 12.

Long-range oceanic voyages mainly refer to the PLA sending multiple types of military aircraft in large formations or aerial formations straight to the Western Pacific for training, simulating "area denial" against foreign forces. This time, the Y-20 refueling aircraft played the role of "air-to-air refueling" for the J-16 fighter jets.

The Bashi Channel is a key route for the PLA to directly reach the eastern sea areas of Taiwan. In recent years, the PLA has established a regular presence in this area through continuous activities, and the frequent passage of military aircraft has turned the Bashi Channel into a "air corridor" for the PLA. The Y-20 frequently practices "air-to-air refueling" in the airspace above the Bashi Channel.

From past situations, long-range oceanic voyages are usually accompanied by combined air-sea combat readiness patrols. This time, the Taiwanese military also specifically mentioned combined air-sea training, which raises curiosity: How many warships has the PLA deployed in the Bashi Channel and the eastern sea areas of Taiwan? What are these warships?

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856822775320586/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.