The PLA is boosting its maritime capability by commissioning world-class missile destroyers. (Photo : CFP)
Last week’s live-fire air and naval drills carried out by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the East China Sea were aimed at the United States and Japan, according to a Duowei News report, cited by the Want China Times.
From Aug. 25-31, certain parts of the East China Sea were off-limits to unauthorized vehicles as the PLA conducted the drills.
The PLA mobilized more than a hundred vessels, dozens of aircraft and launched nearly 100 missiles during the exercise on Aug. 27.
According to China, the drills were aimed at testing the army's enhanced combat capabilities that included early-warning systems, command and control systems, electronics warfare and underwater defense capabilities.
However, according to Duowei, the two main purposes for the execution of the recent military exercise is to show Japan the improved military prowess of China and to add bargaining chips for President Xi Jinping prior to his U.S. state visit this month.
Beijing has not ceased reiterating that the Sept. 3 parade and commemorative activities are not to be aimed at Japan, as it already extended an invitation to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Abe turned down the invitation, citing a conflict in his parliamentary schedule and his focus on speeding up the passage of controversial security reform bills.
The proposed legislation is expected to lift Japan's post-war ban on collective self-defense and is seen by experts as a measure to possibly deal with China's territorial expansion activities.
Days before President Xi's U.S. visit, the latter has already made clear that China's reclamation activities in disputed waters should cease.
High-ranking U.S. government officials have also voiced out their criticisms against China for its aggressiveness and advised that an increase in U.S. military presence in the region will ensure freedom of navigation.
