China Conducts Bomber Drills Near Taiwan Ahead of Xi-Trump Meeting in South Korea

China has conducted a series of military drills near Taiwan involving its H-6K strategic bombers, according to Chinese state media reports released on Sunday. The exercises, described as “confrontation drills,” took place just days before a scheduled meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in South Korea, where the two leaders are expected to discuss ongoing trade tensions.

China’s state television military channel reported on Weibo that units from the Eastern Theatre Command recently carried out combat-oriented training operations to test air blockade and precision strike capabilities. The report detailed that multiple J-10 fighter jets flew in combat formations to designated airspace, while several H-6K bombers—capable of carrying nuclear weapons—conducted simulated drills over the waters surrounding Taiwan. Though no specific date or location was provided, the broadcast included footage of bombs being dropped and an air force officer stating that “the coast of Taiwan can be clearly made out.”

The Chinese Defense Ministry has not issued a statement, and Taiwan’s Defense Ministry also declined immediate comment. Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, has routinely scrambled its aircraft and deployed warships to monitor Chinese military activity but has not reported any unusual incidents recently.

China emphasized that defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity remains its “solemn commitment,” underscoring the drills as part of efforts to maintain peace and stability. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured that Taiwan should not be concerned about the upcoming talks between Xi and Trump. Despite lacking formal diplomatic relations, Washington maintains a legal obligation under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide Taipei with the means to defend itself, reinforcing the island’s long-standing security ties with the United States.