PRC Defense Ministry named the purpose of military exercises in the South China Sea

The purpose of the past military exercises of the Chinese Navy in the South China Sea was to increase their combat effectiveness, and not to oppose a certain country, the Chinese Ministry of Defense said in an official statement on July 9. Earlier, China announced plans to conduct naval exercises in the area of ​ ​ the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea from July 1 to 5 this year. Recently, the Chinese armed forces conducted military exercises in the area of ​ ​ the Xisha archipelago (Paracel Islands) in the South China Sea, we released the relevant information on June 27. The purpose of these exercises is to effectively enhance the capabilities of the Chinese army in the field of naval defense, resolutely protect state sovereignty and security, as well as ensure regional peace and stability. The exercises are not aimed at any particular country, the statement of the Chinese defense department said. These islands are a disputed territory that China, Taiwan and Vietnam consider their own, while Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines are also involved in the dispute. In turn, the Pentagon immediately expressed concern about these exercises by China, saying that this is counterproductive to efforts to reduce tension and maintain stability in the region. We hope that the United States will rethink its actions, stop military provocations in the South China Sea, stop unreasonably criticizing and denigrating China, stop provoking disagreements between the countries of the region and artificially create tension, the Chinese military department adds on this occasion. At the same time, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian reacted to recent US exercises in the South China Sea, saying that Washington is regularly trying to undermine peace and stability in this region.