Chinese Army Conducts Military Exercises off Coast of Taiwan

The Eastern Region Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) announced Friday that the Chinese armed forces will conduct military exercises in regions near Taiwan.

This was against the background of a visit by members of the US Congress to the island.

The Eastern Region Military Command issued a statement saying, "On April 15, the Eastern Region Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army sent warships, bombers, combat aircraft, and other forces to conduct maneuvers and exercises."

The statement added that the maneuvers will include overflights and huge participation of naval forces in the East China Sea and around the island of Taiwan." These military exercises in the Taiwan region come amid a visit by members of the US Congress to the Chinese island.