China Says H-6K Bombers Conducted Near-Taiwan Drills, Raising Regional Tensions

On 27 October 2025 Chinese state media and defence authorities reported that a formation of H-6K strategic bombers carried out “confrontation drills” in airspace near Taiwan, describing the exercise as part of regular training intended to enhance long-range strike and joint operational readiness. The manoeuvres reportedly involved simulated maritime-attack scenarios and coordination with early-warning and refuelling aircraft, underscoring the air force’s capacity for sustained operations beyond the first island chain. Taipei condemned the flights as a “provocative display of force” and said its military had tracked the bombers throughout the mission, pledging to strengthen air defences and coastal monitoring.

The United States, Japan and other Indo-Pacific partners expressed concern that such actions increase the risk of miscalculation and undermine regional stability. Defence analysts noted the timing — just days before a scheduled U.S.–China leaders’ meeting at the APEC summit — as deliberate signalling, reflecting Beijing’s intent to project deterrence while negotiating from a position of strength. International observers say the incident highlights the delicate balance between military posturing and diplomatic engagement in the region’s evolving security environment.