The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Friday continued joint drills surrounding Taiwan island.

Integrated operations inside and outside the island chain are being conducted to test the command's capabilities to jointly take battlefield control and launch joint strikes, and to seize control of crucial areas, Naval Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command, said. 

The Eastern Theater Command organized military services including the army, navy, air force and rocket force to conduct the joint drills, code-named Joint Sword-2024A, from Thursday to Friday. 

The spokesperson said on Thursday that the drills serve as a strong punishment for the separatist acts of "Taiwan independence" forces and a stern warning against interference and provocation by external forces.

(With input from Xinhua)