PLA deploys advanced hardware in combat drills around Taiwan

The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army has deployed multiple types of advanced hardware in its ongoing inter-service combat exercises around Taiwan Island.

According to a video clip published by the command, the Type 054A guided-missile frigate, DF-15B short-range ballistic missile system, H-6K strategic bomber, Y-20 strategic airlifter and J-10C fighter jet have been used in the operation, which began on Tuesday.

A H-6K bomber, which was featured in the clip, carried what appeared to be a new type of hypersonic strike missile. This is the first time the new weapon has been deployed publicly in a Taiwan-related military operation.

Military observers believe that such missile system is capable of hitting land and sea targets at ultrafast speed, causing huge damage to its target. Such missiles are basically impossible to intercept.

According to Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesman for the command, the drills mainly focus on sea-air combat-readiness patrols, battlefield dominance, strikes on sea and ground targets, blockade on key areas and sea routes and other tactics.

He said the move is a "stern warning and powerful deterrence" against "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and is also a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity.

[Video/Eastern Theater Command of the PLA]