China Announces Military Exercises In The South China Sea
In this file photo taken Saturday, May 24, 2014, China’s Harbin (112) guided missile destroyer takes part in a week-long China-Russia “Joint Sea-2014” navy exercise at the East China Sea off Shanghai, China. Double digit annual percentage increases in China’s defense budget have been fueling a top-to-bottom modernization drive that has brought in new equipment and vast improvements in living conditions for the People’s Liberation Army’s 2.3 million members.( Color China Photo via AP, File)
The naval forces of the People’s Liberation Army of China in the near future will conduct military exercises in the water area of the South China Sea, reports the Central Television of China.
“These are planned annual exercises, the purpose of which is to control and increase the level of military exercises and the general combat ability to win.”
The exercises are not directed against third countries or goals, “the TV channel said.
It is noted that the exercises are conducted within the framework of “resolute implementation of the order of President Xi Jinping of China on mobilization and consistent strengthening of the country’s naval forces.”
When and in which part of the South China Sea the exercises will be held, it is not specified.
Source: China (Vop Today News)