NANJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command is dispatching its naval and air forces to carry out combat readiness patrols around Taiwan Island, a military spokesperson said Monday.
The vessels and aircraft will approach Taiwan Island in close proximity from different directions, said Shi Yi, spokesperson of the PLA Eastern Theater Command.
Shi stressed that the move aims to test the capabilities of the troops to conduct rapid maneuvers, form all-dimensional posture, and execute systemic blockade and control. ■
