PLA's joint exercises demonstrate capability to thwart any push for 'Taiwan independence'

The joint exercises by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command around the island of Taiwan that began on Tuesday are an indispensable measure to safeguard China's national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

Unlike previous military drills, which were mostly officially described as "routine" or "regular", the latest military exercises were given an unusually high profile by both the civil and military authorities on the Chinese mainland.

The military's message was stern and explicit, with Shi Yi, spokesperson for the theater command, highlighting the comprehensive scope of the exercises, which involve the coordinated operations of the army, navy, air and rocket forces converging on the island from various directions.