The Army of the People's Republic of China said today that it has completed the planned "various tasks" around Taiwan, but will continue with daily patrols.

It is seen as a signal of a possible end to the large-scale military maneuvers that Beijing launched immediately after the visit of the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the US Congress. Nancy Pelosi of Taiwan, which China considers its territory.

Military exercises around Taiwan included ballistic missile tests, several of which flew over the capital Taipei, as well as simulated airstrikes and naval landings.

The Chinese military said in a brief statement that in operations around Taiwan, "all tasks have been successfully completed and integrated combat capabilities have been effectively tested."

At the same time, the statement added that the army "will monitor the changes in the situation in the Taiwan Strait, continue training and preparations for the war, organize regular patrols in the strait and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

The Chinese navy was also active this afternoon in the central part of the Taiwan Strait, which was also flown by fighter jets.

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said that 17 Chinese warplanes flew over the center line between the two countries today.