The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has concluded its "Joint Sword-2024B" drills, said a spokesperson on Monday.
The command on Monday organized its troops of army, navy, air force and rocket force to conduct the drills in the Taiwan Strait and in areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan Island.
Li Xi, spokesperson for the command, said the integrated joint operation capabilities of the troops were fully tested during the drills.
Always on high alert, troops of the command will keep strengthening combat readiness with arduous training and resolutely foil "Taiwan independence" separatist attempts, Li added.
The "Joint Sword-2024B" drills focused on joint sea-air combat readiness patrols, blockade and control of key ports and areas, strikes on sea and land targets, and joint seizure of comprehensive superiority, so as to test the joint real combat capabilities of the PLA soldiers.
The drills involved vessels and planes closing in on the island from multiple directions and assaults by joint forces.
"In this exercise, the heart of the mission for me and my fellow soldiers was to break through the 'enemy's' air defense alert system and seize regional air superiority. It directly tested our airspace alert, air confrontation, and aerial refueling capabilities in a real combat scenario. We aimed to warn the separatists, in a language the 'enemy' understands, that seeking 'Taiwan independence' means war and such attempts will only backfire and bring their own destruction," said Wei Cao, a pilot from an air brigade of the Eastern Theater Command.
"As a killer punch of the army's long-range firepower, our rocket artillery unit is capable of fast response, high precision and fierce firepower in combat. We are fully capable of precise long-distance strikes, with increasingly formidable punches and more options at our disposal. If the 'Taiwan independence' forces are bent on playing with fire, they will undoubtedly be severely punished," said Li Xiaotian, a solider of a rocket artillery unit of the command.
PLA concludes "Joint Sword-2024B" drills
PLA concludes "Joint Sword-2024B" drills
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
