China Releases 3D Animation of Missile Strike on Taiwan

The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China has released a 3D animation depicting a missile strike on Taiwan, according to reports.

The video, posted on the command's official Weibo account, features a mix of real footage and computer-generated imagery showing the launch of various missiles by PHL-03 multiple rocket launchers, DF-16 mobile short medium-range ballistic missile systems, H-6 strategic bombers, fighter jets, and Project 054A frigates. The animation concludes with missiles striking targets in Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Hualien.

On May 23, the PLA Eastern Theater Command announced the commencement of the Joint Sword 2024A exercise, conducted around Taiwan and near the islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin. This exercise involves land, missile, naval, and air forces and is intended to "serve as a warning to separatist forces," according to a statement from the PLA.

The release of the animation coincides with Taiwan's inauguration ceremony on Monday for the island's new leader, Lai Ching-te. Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, following the retreat of Kuomintang forces after their defeat in the Chinese Civil War. Despite this, Beijing continues to regard Taiwan as a province of the People's Republic of China.

This development coincides with increased military activity in the Taiwan Strait, where numerous Chinese aircraft and naval vessels have been reported crossing the strait. Taiwan’s defense ministry reported on May 25 that a total of 62 aircraft from the PLA and 27 vessels from the PLAN were detected operating around Taiwan up until 6 a.m. today. Among these, 47 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern, southeastern, and eastern Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ).