PLA concludes "Joint Sword-2024B" drills

The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has concluded its "Joint Sword-2024B" drills, said a spokesperson on Monday.

The command on Monday organized its troops of army, navy, air force and rocket force to conduct the drills in the Taiwan Strait and in areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan Island.

Li Xi, spokesperson for the command, said the integrated joint operation capabilities of the troops were fully tested during the drills.

Always on high alert, troops of the command will keep strengthening combat readiness with arduous training and resolutely foil "Taiwan independence" separatist attempts, Li added.

The "Joint Sword-2024B" drills focused on joint sea-air combat readiness patrols, blockade and control of key ports and areas, strikes on sea and land targets, and joint seizure of comprehensive superiority, so as to test the joint real combat capabilities of the PLA soldiers.

The drills involved vessels and planes closing in on the island from multiple directions and assaults by joint forces.

"In this exercise, the heart of the mission for me and my fellow soldiers was to break through the 'enemy's' air defense alert system and seize regional air superiority. It directly tested our airspace alert, air confrontation, and aerial refueling capabilities in a real combat scenario. We aimed to warn the separatists, in a language the 'enemy' understands, that seeking 'Taiwan independence' means war and such attempts will only backfire and bring their own destruction," said Wei Cao, a pilot from an air brigade of the Eastern Theater Command.

"As a killer punch of the army's long-range firepower, our rocket artillery unit is capable of fast response, high precision and fierce firepower in combat. We are fully capable of precise long-distance strikes, with increasingly formidable punches and more options at our disposal. If the 'Taiwan independence' forces are bent on playing with fire, they will undoubtedly be severely punished," said Li Xiaotian, a solider of a rocket artillery unit of the command.

PLA concludes "Joint Sword-2024B" drills

PLA concludes "Joint Sword-2024B" drills

Beijing City is intensifying its efforts to enhance public well-being in response to the growing demand from residents for more flexible services.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the Beijing Government Service Center will offer select high-demand personal services on weekends and most public holidays, including vehicle and driver's license processing, certificate applications, passport services, and other frequently used services.

"This year, we received feedback from residents and made targeted adjustments, including setting up a 24-hour self-service area and reorganizing service counters, to make the process simpler and more efficient," said Yan Dongdong, director of Beijing Municipal Government Service Center.

Most services can now be handled online, with offline assistance also available, significantly reducing waiting time at service counters.

"There used to be long lines. Now, once we arrive, things are handled very quickly," said a Beijing resident.

"I made an appointment online. Everything was done smoothly and quickly when I arrived here," said another Beijing resident.

The center now brings together 60 government departments, offering more than 2,300 services in one location, making public services more accessible and efficient.

The center has also introduced reading services and exhibition areas for cultural displays, expanding its role as a more open and people-centered public space.

Beijing expands government service hours to meet public demand