Chinese military exercises in South China Sea raise concerns
ROC Central News Agency
2015/11/25 15:16:28
Taipei, Nov. 25 (CNA) A large-scale 'real confrontation' drill held by the Chinese Navy in the South China Sea Nov. 17-19, which mobilized destroyers, anti-submarine helicopters and submarines, was aimed at 'high-profile targets,' according to a Chinese military expert.
Ruan Zongze, executive vice president of the Chinese Institute of International Studies, a think tank under China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the Chinese media that 'recently, the South China Sea storm has continued, the United States moves frequently, especially in waters near the South China Sea islands and reefs, and poses a serious threat to China's sovereignty.'
'In this case, China must strengthen its vigilance and capacity-building, such as large-scale exercises,' he said.
He suggested that the South China Sea drills were highly needed by the Chinese Navy, in order to enhance combat capability, and at the same time, demonstrate China's determination to safeguard its sovereignty claims.
Chinese military expert Li Li expressed a similar view, saying that the action 'not only shows our military presence in the South China Sea, but also reminds some countries to be cautious.'
In an interview with China Central Television's (CCTV) 'Today's Focus,' Li said that the military drills are aimed at strengthening the Chinese military capacities in two aspects.
First, the South China Sea fleet should accomplish independently its anti-submarine missions in the region, and secondly, the fleets from the North China Sea and East China Sea should be able to carry out cross-region operations and provide lateral support to the South China Sea fleet to reinforce the military capacity in this region.
(By K.C. Chiu and Lillian Lin)
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