The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command recently organized routine joint maritime and aerial patrol around the Taiwan island, the Ministry of National Defense announced on Thursday.

"This patrol has further enhanced the combat training of our troops and strengthened their capability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the ministry at a news conference.

He said that the PLA will persistently conduct its rigorous training and strengthen combat readiness, and will continue conducting related military operations on a regular basis.