The People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) said Friday it was conducting military exercises in the air and sea space off Taiwan after reports of a new U.S. delegation coming to the island.

The PLA's Eastern Zone Combat Command recently organized patrols and practical combat drills for different branches of troops in the sea and airspace around Taiwan. This is a standard military exercise in response to the changing situation in the Taiwan Strait, the PLA Eastern Zone Combat Command said in a message posted on the social network WeChat.

It is noted that the command will continue combat training exercises to protect China's sovereignty and security as well as stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Exactly when the exercise was conducted and whether it was completed was not reported.

A U.S. delegation led by Senator Marsha Blackburn arrived in Taiwan Thursday night. It was the ninth U.S. delegation to the island this year, and the fourth in a month. A delegation led by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan on August 2-3, a delegation led by Senator Ed Markey on August 14-15, and a delegation led by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb visited Taiwan on August 21 for a four-day visit. The current visit is scheduled to last three days.