Two Chinese naval fleets conducted a deep-water confrontation drill Thursday in the Sea of Japan, reported the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Daily.
For the drill, an integrated information command platform was used to coordinate naval and aviation units. This joint operation was designed to prepare the PLA to deliver an organized, high-precision assault on an enemy at sea.
The Xinhua News Agency introduced that the missile destroyer Xi’an, the missile frigate Hengshui, and the supply ship Gaoyouyu, all of which had just returned from the U.S. Navy led RIMPAC 2016, participated in the combat drills.
During the confrontation drill, units returning from the RIMPAC exercises “engaged” the East China Sea Fleet, which consisted of the missile frigate Jingzhou, the Yangzhou, and the comprehensive supply ship Qiandaohu.
The PLA Daily cited Commander of the East China Sea Fleet Xu Haihua as saying that the drill was routine and was planned in advance. The drills were reportedly carried out in “international waters” and were conducted “in line with the international law and practice.”
Xinhua mentioned that “foreign aircraft” attempted to conduct surveillance during China’s combat drill but “were met with the proper response from the Chinese warships.”
While the drills may have been legitimately conducted in international waters, that the Sea of Japan was chosen as the location for the drill sent a clear message to other states in the area.
The Sea of Japan is a vital waterway which is bordered by South Korea, North Korea, Russia, and Japan, and it is connected to the East China Sea.
The drills come at a time of heightened tensions between Japan and China over the disputed Senkaku (Diaoyu) Islands. In response to Chinese intrusions into Japanese-controlled waters, Japan is preparing to raise its military budget and upgrade its missile defense systems on Miyako Island to protect the Senkakus from the Chinese.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday that it is working with Japan and South Korea on arranging a trilateral talk to help alleviate regional tensions, but so far, not specific date has been given as to when this might occur.
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