The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) began security patrol and military exercises dubbed “Joint Sword” around Taiwan Island and its surrounding waters on Saturday. Photo: Screenshot from CCTV/VCG

The exercises, which target key areas in the waters and airspace of northern, eastern and southern Taiwan, were scheduled to run from Saturday to Monday. Photo: IC Photo

A patrol ship takes part in the exercises. The military exercises came after Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen met U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday in the U.S. state of California. Photo: Screenshot from CCTV

The PLA Navy observes the Taiwanese Navy’s patrol vessel ROCS Yi Yang from about five nautical miles away while carrying out tactical operations on Sunday in the waters off eastern Taiwan. Photo: Screenshot from CCTV/VCG

The Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong joins Monday’s exercises. Photo: Screenshot from CCTV

PLA soldiers guide the dispatch of military vehicles for the joint exercises on Saturday. Photo: Screenshot from CCTV/VCG

Military vehicles mobilize for the joint exercises around Taiwan on Saturday. Photo: Screenshot from CCTV

Fighter and bomber jets loaded with live ammunition, including the Shenyang J-16 and Chengdu J-10C, participated the exercises. The fighter jets and bombers formed assault groups and simulated fire support for other forces. Photo: Screenshot from CCTV/VCG