Life in Pingtan has returned to normal now the PLA has ended its military exercises off the Fujian coast. Residents on the island had seen sight nor sound of warships or planes, and heard no artillery shelling, the China News Agency reported. Fishing fleets on Pingtan had also begun sailing out to fishing grounds in Zhoushan, Hainan and other waters. Ship berths were also re-opened on Monday, the agency said. The only route to Pingtan - via the Lianggong ferry - is now thronged with heavy traffic, transporting people and daily supplies. The ferry had been under army control during the military exercises on March 18 and 25. All residents on Pingtan were under orders to obey the military. General Zhang Wannian , vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, and other generals watched the PLA landing operations. A new platform was built on Laohu mountain for the military inspection. Troops have now left the area, leaving behind the inscribed motto: 'Defending National Unification is My Bounden Duty!'
