A PLA airman in the cockpit of an assault helicopter during Wednesday's drill. Photo: CGTN screen grab
Asia Times: PLA drill in Taiwan Strait turns into a tempest in a teapot
One-day war games saw assault helicopters deployed and missiles being fired, but Beijing newspaper admits the aim was to deter but not provoke.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) wrapped up live-fire war games in the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday evening, aimed at sending a message to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen – that the Chinese military is a force to be reckoned with if she pushes her pro-independence agenda.
Unfortunately, that message may have fallen on deaf ears as Tsai and the core members of her coterie were in the southern African country of Swaziland on a high-profile state visit, at a time when Beijing sought to demonstrate its fury and force with bombers, warships and big guns.
Observers say Beijing may find itself in an embarrassing position as its muscle-flexing was not seen first-hand by its intended audience.
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Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- April 19, 2018
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