The PLA is boosting its maritime capability by commissioning world-class missile destroyers. (Photo : CFP)
Marking the 88th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the Chinese navy’s South Sea Fleet began an eight-day exercise in the South China Sea from Aug. 1-8.
The developments come just days after China held live-fire naval drills with 100 ships in the same region.
Observers see the exercises as a reaction by Beijing to the military exercises conducted by its neighbors who are currently in a territorial dispute with China.
Resembling the exercises that were held just days ago, the upcoming naval drill is considered to be a show of military might and an assertion of China's claim over the majority of the South China Sea.
However, Beijing has downplayed the seriousness of the drills, saying that such exercises are held annually and not conducted against a particular nation.
Reports are circulating that advanced warships, such as the Type 054A guided-missile frigate and Type 052D guided missile destroyer, are on their way to the disputed area.
Admiral Scott Swift, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, has declared that they will be vigilantly conducting reconnaissance flights over the region.
In the Aspen Security Forum last July 24, Admiral Harry B. Harris, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, admitted that he is concerned about China's land reclamation activities and aggressive stance in the disputed region.
Harris believes that China is trying to establish a solid footing in the disputed islands in order to make forward bases for the PLA.
However, Admiral Yin Zhou of the PLA Navy reacted to the statement by saying that such remarks violate the U.S. policy of neutrality regarding the South China Sea territorial disputes.
