US, Japan rehearse coordinated strikes to challenge PLA control of waters near Taiwan

US and Japanese forces have rehearsed coordinated anti-ship strikes and mobile missile deployments across Kyushu and Japan’s southwestern islands, testing tactics designed to challenge Beijing’s ability to control surrounding waters in a conflict over Taiwan.Now in its second week, the 11-day Keen Sword 27 exercise has tested how the allies could threaten Chinese warships from multiple directions while keeping their own forces harder to target.They have also practised repairing runways and maintaining maritime supply routes to sustain operations in the event of attacks on bases and disruptions to supply lines, according to statements from both the US and Japanese sides.Will Batanes become the next South China Sea flashpoint?Analysts said the tactics employed could make it harder for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to locate and neutralise United States and Japanese forces during a conflict, potentially forcing Chinese commanders to devote more resources to reconnaissance and targeting.