PLA Eastern Theater Command launches patrol, military exercises around Taiwan Island

<p>The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People&#39;s Liberation Army (PLA) on Saturday launched combat readiness patrol and military exercises around the Taiwan Island, which will last from April 8 to 10 Beijing time as scheduled.</p><p>The patrol and exercises take place in the maritime areas and airspace of the Taiwan Strait, off the northern and southern coasts of the island, and to the island&#39;s east, said Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the command.</p><p>These operations serve as a stern warning against the collusion between separatist forces seeking &quot;Taiwan independence&quot; and external forces and against their provocative activities, said Shi, adding that the operations are necessary for safeguarding China&#39;s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(127, 127, 127);">(Video provided by PLA Eastern Theater Command; edited by Zhu Yingqi)</span></p><p><br/></p>