China conducts joint exercises around Taiwan

Taipei, April 1 (CNA) The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command has started to conduct joint exercises around Taiwan, according to state-run TV.

The exercises involved the army, navy, air and rocket forces "closing in" on Taiwan in "multiple directions," Chinese state-run CCTV reported, quoting PLA Eastern Command spokesperson Shi Yi (施毅).

The drills serve as a "stern warning and forceful deterrent" against "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and are a "legitimate and necessary" action to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity, according to the statement.

No further details were provided on how long the exercises will last or where they will be concentrated.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense quickly condemned the move, which it called a disruption to the "status quo," and said it had deployed military vessels and aircraft in response to the threats.

Update: No live-fire detected in latest PLA drills around Taiwan: MND