China's Military Drills: Taipei Landmarks Featured in Propaganda Video

Showcasing Military Might and Targeting Taiwan: A Closer Look at the PLA's "Monster-Slaying" Video.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command initiated military exercises around Taiwan on April 1st, releasing a propaganda video titled "Slaying Demons." The approximately 1 minute and 48-second video showcases the PLA's naval and air power, including numerous aircraft and warships approaching Taiwan. It features simulated combat training exercises and, notably, includes images of Taipei landmarks, such as Taipei 101 and what appears to be Hankou Street, along with glimpses of Republic of China (ROC) military tanks.

According to the Eastern Theater Command's Weibo account, the video opens with the words "Slaying Demons," accompanied by an image of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong. Following this, textual elements such as "Cloud Somersault," "Body Doubles," "Invisibility," and "Immobilization" are displayed, paired with imagery of PLA warships, aircraft, and missiles. The video repeatedly features a map of Taiwan, highlighting Taipei City, Taichung City, Kaohsiung City, and Hualien County with targeting symbols. Similar symbols also mark Taitung, Pingtung, Taoyuan, and Tainan, implying that the PLA's military capabilities can target virtually all of Taiwan. The visual narrative suggests a comprehensive encirclement and potential attack scenario.