Beijing [China], April 1: China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has conducted military exercises around Taiwan, marking Beijing's latest warning to the island's authorities.
According to Xinhua News Agency, the PLA 's Eastern Theater Command began joint exercises of the army, navy and rocket force around Taiwan on April 1.
The Chinese military said the drills were intended to "send a stern warning and strong deterrence" to Taiwanese authorities, according to Reuters.
"The focus of this exercise includes combat-ready patrols at sea and in the air, gaining overall control, attacking targets at sea and on land, and imposing blockades on important areas and routes," the PLA's Eastern Theater Command said on its official WeChat social media account.
PLA Eastern Theater Command spokesman Shi Yi said the army, navy, air force and rocket forces were organized to approach Taiwan from multiple directions, describing the move as "a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity".
Following the announcement, China released a poster accompanying the exercise called "Closing in," depicting Chinese warships and fighter jets circling Taiwan .
Taiwanese authorities have yet to respond to the above exercise.
China considers Taiwan an inalienable part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. In recent years, the Chinese military has stepped up regular patrols as well as air and naval exercises around the island.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
