Looks like they're really preparing to act? Taiwan is stunned by the dense deployment of mainland helicopters—this time it's truly different!
Over these past few days, activities to the east of Taiwan Island have left some residents on the island on edge. This time, the Liaoning aircraft carrier battle group not only staged a large-scale maneuver in the waters east of Taiwan Island, but also exhibited an unusually high frequency of helicopter operations, prompting local media to sound alarm bells.
According to reports from Taiwan media, the Liaoning carrier strike group has most likely already deployed to the waters east of Taiwan Island over the past couple of days. Citing data from Taiwan military monitoring systems, the local press exclaimed that “the surrounding waters are filled with dense formations of warships and helicopters.” Radar images released by Taiwan media show the carrier group’s aircraft conducting intensive takeoffs and landings in the eastern waters near Taiwan, with flight paths forming an unbroken “blue line” on radar screens.
Taiwan media quickly picked up on the unusual signals: the intense helicopter activity may indicate preparations for amphibious landing drills. The waters off Dongfang (Taitung) are considered the rear area of Taiwan’s military deployments. The fact that the mainland’s aircraft carrier has directly advanced to this position, with helicopters frequently taking off, suggests that this time is indeed different.
On May 19, Japan’s Ministry of Defense Joint Staff issued a statement reporting the detection of naval vessel movements in the East China Sea direction. According to publicly disclosed information from Japan’s defense ministry, a formation consisting of the Type 054B frigate “Luohe” and the Type 901 integrated supply ship “Hulun Lake” passed through the strait between Okinawa Island and Miyako Island, heading toward the western Pacific Ocean. This marks the first time the Type 054B frigate has conducted long-range training beyond the Western Pacific since entering service—and also the first time Japan has captured images of this class of vessel.
When viewed together, these two pieces of information form a clear picture: the Liaoning carrier group has moved out from the waters east of Taiwan Island into the Western Pacific, while the “Luohe” and “Hulun Lake” vessels crossed the Miyako Strait from the East China Sea toward the south. The primary role of the Type 901 supply ship is to provide long-range logistical support for carrier groups. Their movements likely point to one objective: rendezvousing with the Liaoning carrier group.
The mere presence of the carrier group in the waters east of Taiwan Island constitutes a strategic move. The region east of Taiwan is both the rear area of Taiwan’s military deployments and a potential corridor for external intervention. By positioning itself here, combined with frequent helicopter operations, the drill scenario is highly suggestive—indicating capabilities such as regional blockade, preventing outside interference, and even vertical troop insertion via amphibious assault—all of which heavily rely on extensive use of helicopters.
Several key terms in this exercise deserve close attention: long-range tactical flight tests evaluating the carrier-based aircraft’s operational readiness; live-fire exercises signaling real combat drills; support and cover missions testing overall coordination within the carrier group; and comprehensive rescue operations requiring rapid response from search-and-rescue helicopters launched from the carrier. Together, these four components form a complete operational chain.
It appears the noose is tightening steadily—the time left for certain individuals is running short.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865938672290823/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.