On Friday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command's "Yi-yang" warship naval formation performed various tasks in the waters near the northern part of the Taiwan island, about 22 nautical miles away from its northern gateway of Pengjia Islet.

The command's spokesperson, Li Xi, said the operations are aimed at testing its capabilities of joint strikes and control of crucial areas.

The Chinese Defense Ministry said Beijing will take countermeasures if provoked by "Taiwan independence" forces and will continue to do so until peace is achieved.