Over 100 Chinese naval vessels, supported by an array of aircraft assets, held live-fire drills in the South China Sea.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Daily said that several battalions of the Second Artillery Force engaged the ships in a mock battle while deploying electronic countermeasure tactics.
According to a report from the Global Times, the sea and air military drill is designed to enhance the PLA's prowess in IT-based warfare, covering reconnaissance, anti-reconnaissance, interference and anti-interference.
A leader of the PLA South China Sea fleet shared that the "live-fire maneuvers have effectively tested the troops' new weapons and joint warfare capabilities."
China began its 10-day naval exercises last Wednesday, July 22, amid rising tension in the disputed region. However, the Ministry of National Defense assures the public that "the drills are regular military exercises scheduled in the annual plan, that do not target any other country."
Just last week, the U.S. authorized a surveillance operation over the disputed area, drawing the ire of Chinese authorities. China sharply criticized the move, while objecting to the allegedly joint efforts of the U.S., Japan and the Philippines to undermine the stability in the region.
The three countries also recently conducted two military drills in the South China Sea amid worsening relations with China.
Active military exercises in the region will further complicate relations between the U.S. and China, said a Want China Times report, adding that Japan plans on joining Exercise Malabar, which will be conducted by American and Indian naval forces in October.