The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Sunday organized joint combat-readiness security patrols and exercises in the waters and airspace around the Taiwan Island.

It is a firm response to the escalation of collusion between the U.S. and China's Taiwan region, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson of the theater command, said in a statement.

The Eastern Theater Command will take all necessary measures to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Shi.