According to a statement issued by the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command, the patrols and exercises included simulated air and land strikes, as well as control of key passages to test the joint combat readiness of its troops.
Beijing views Taiwan as part of China to be reunited, by force if necessary. Most countries, including the US, do not recognise Taiwan as independent. But Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the island by force and is committed to supplying weapons for its defence.
According to Shi, army, navy, air and rocket forces have been deployed on the multidirectional naval and aerial manoeuvres.
The drill is focused on combat readiness patrols, seizing comprehensive control, striking maritime and land targets, imposing blockades on key areas and routes, and aiming to test the joint operational capabilities of the theatre’s forces, he said.
