Beijing carries out missile, naval drills in South China Sea amid tensions
China has carried out naval military exercises simulating aerial attacks in an unspecified area of the disputed South China Sea.
The naval forces used three target drones making flyovers of a ship formation at varying heights in the area, Chinese state media said on Friday.
Based on the reports, the drills were part of efforts by an unspecified training base to prepare for real-life combat against aerial targets.
Beijing, which claims over 90 percent of the South China Sea, regularly conduct drills in the waterway to assert its sovereignty over the hotly-contested region.
But China’s sovereignty claim has been challenged by five regional nations – Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines.
The United States, which has taken sides with Beijing’s rival countries, has sent several of its warships to the sea to protect what it calls “freedom of navigation.”
It has constantly accused China of militarizing the region. Beijing, however, denies the allegations, saying any military activities in the South China Sea are aimed at improving its defense capabilities.
Beijing accuses Washington of interfering in regional issues and deliberately stirring up tensions.
Last month, a US Navy destroyer sailed through the country’s territorial waters without any permission, and prompted Beijing to scramble its fighter jets and ships to the area.
The Chinese government the slammed the US move as a “provocation” and an infringement of China’s sovereignty.
Washington's military presence in the region has also caused worries about an increasing risk of accidental collisions that could spark a consequential wider conflict.
China has repeatedly warned Washington against sending warships to patrol the South China Sea.
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