PLA completes combat readiness patrols around Taiwan Island

The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army has completed its interservice patrols and the "Joint Sword" exercises around the Taiwan Island, according to the command's spokesman Senior Colonel Shi Yi.

During the three-day operations that started on Saturday, forces comprehensively examined their capability of conducting joint operations in realistic battlefield scenarios, he said on Monday evening.

"Forces under the command are ready and able to engage the enemy whenever needed and will firmly smash any 'Taiwan independence' separatist acts as well as foreign interference," the spokesman said.

The military operations "are a serious warning to the collusion and provocations by 'Taiwan independence' separatists and external forces and a necessary move to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity", Shi said on Saturday right after the exercises began.

During the exercises, Shi's command sent artillery, air, naval and missile units to simulate an area blockade and precision strikes against key targets in Taiwan.

Video clips published by the command showed some of the PLA's latest hardware, such as the YY-20 refueling tanker and PCH-191 multiple-launch rocket vehicle.

The PLA's moves came after Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen met with United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday during her recent "transit" through the US.

Tsai visited Central America from March 29 to April 7, with stops in New York and Los Angeles.

In a statement published on Thursday, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense said China firmly opposes all forms of official interaction between the US and Taiwan and any visit by leader of the Taiwan authorities to the US in any name or under whatever pretext. China also firmly opposes the US side's contact with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan in any form, which violates the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US joint communiques.

"The PLA will stand by its responsibility and mission and always keep on high alert. The PLA will resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," a statement from the spokesperson read.