Fujian coast guard patrols off Taiwan, Matsu, Wuqiu islands

The coast guard of east China's Fujian Province organized a law enforcement patrol in the waters off the Taiwan Island, Matsu and Wuqiu islands on Monday.

The operation focused on subjects of identification and verification as well as control and deterrence, to test the forces' capabilities of rapid response and emergency handling, according to an online statement from the China Coast Guard.

After the commander issued the order to act, Coast Guard formations quickly adjusted their course and deployed in batches to the designated waters around the Taiwan Island. They conducted uninterrupted, round-the-clock comprehensive law enforcement patrols and held joint drills. These drills, covering fisheries protection, vessel verification, interception, and seizure, were designed to test their capacity for effective control and efficient law enforcement.

"Next, we will continue to expand the scope of law enforcement patrols in accordance with the one-China principle, further strengthen control over key sea areas, important ports and shipping routes, conduct targeted comprehensive law enforcement drills, strike hard against illegal and criminal activities, and ensure the safety and stability of the waters surrounding Taiwan Island," said Yan Hao, a law enforcement officer at Putuoshan Ship of China Coast Guard.

Meanwhile, in the waters off the Matsu and Wuqiu islands, the Fujian coast guard simultaneously carried out comprehensive law enforcement patrols, taking necessary control measures against unidentified and suspicious vessels.

During the patrols, the Fujian coast guard fleet also focused on subjects of identification and verification as well as control and expulsion operations. The drills tested capabilities of rapid response and emergency handling.

"We manage and control the waters under our jurisdiction in accordance with the one-China principle, strike hard against all kinds of illegal and criminal activities, remain highly vigilant at all times, and stand ready to deal with any emergency to ensure the safety and stability of the waters under our jurisdiction," said Jiang Jianfeng, a law enforcement officer at Fujian coast guard.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command on Monday conducted drills on assault against maritime targets and long-distance raids to the southeast of Taiwan island, said Shi Yi, spokesman of the PLA Eastern Theater Command.

The PLA Eastern Theater Command dispatched task forces of bombers, amphibious assault ships, anti-ship missiles to conduct drills on vessel-aircraft coordination, maritime target strike, long-distance raid, and comprehensive support in the waters and airspace to the southeast of the Taiwan island, Shi said.

The drills test capabilities of integrated operations inside and outside the island chain, and of neutralizing the enemy at maximum range, he said.