BEIJING, April 1 — The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command commenced extensive military drills around Taiwan Island on Tuesday, described by a spokesperson as a legitimate action to defend national sovereignty and maintain territorial integrity.

These exercises, taking place to the north, south, and east of Taiwan, aim to test the PLA's capabilities across various military operations including air and maritime assault, ground strikes, and joint blockades.

During a daily press briefing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, labeling the Taiwan issue as an internal matter that should not be subject to external interference.

The spokesperson criticized the Democratic Progressive Party's governing authorities in Taiwan for their pursuit of what he termed 'Taiwan independence,' asserting that such endeavors are both futile and detrimental to national unity.

Military officials reported that the drills involved coordinated maneuvers of naval vessels and aircraft, along with support from conventional missile troops.

The training scenarios were designed to improve integrated operational capabilities and precision strike ability across multiple directions.

According to Senior Colonel Shi Yi, the focus included combat-readiness patrols, maritime and ground target assaults, and operational control exercises to assert comprehensive superiority around the island.

In conjunction with military operations, the China Coast Guard (CCG) conducted law-enforcement patrols in the waters surrounding Taiwan, affirming allegiance to the one-China principle.

CCG spokesperson Zhu Anqing stated that these patrols involved inspections and preventive measures against what were described as unwarranted vessels, reasserting jurisdiction over the area.

Zhu characterized the drills as actions supporting China's legitimate claims, underscoring Taiwan's status as a province of China.

As military and coast guard actions unfolded, spokesperson Zhu Fenglian from the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office articulated that the exercises served as a stern warning against any provocations associated with so-called 'Taiwan independence.' Zhu indicated that the PLA’s comprehensive military posture is a direct response to perceived threats from Taiwanese authorities, particularly those attributed to Lai Ching-te's administration.

Zhu highlighted the mainland's resolve to respond decisively against separatist movements while distinguishing between actions against these movements and the broader population of Taiwan, which she encouraged to resist external influences and discord.

The PLA's recent maneuvers and coast guard operations represent a significant expansion of China's military presence in the region amidst growing global scrutiny and focus on security in the Taiwan Strait.