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China's commander-in-chief has ordered the military command overseeing the disputed South China Sea to "focus preparations for a war," according to the South China Morning Post.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday inspected Southern Theater Command, again stressing the need to build a force capable of "fighting and winning wars" in the modern era. "We need to intensify combat readiness exercises, joint exercises and confrontational exercises to improve soldiers' capabilities and prepare for war," he said, adding that the command had "a heavy military responsibility. "to" take into account all complex situations and deal with emergency situations "plans accordingly. "
"You are constantly working on the front lines and you play a key role in protecting national territorial sovereignty and maritime interests," said Xi, according to the China Daily. "I hope you can accomplish such sacred and solemn missions".
The powerful Chinese leader has made the strengthening and modernization of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) a top priority.
During his speech in Guangdong Province, Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe warned that China would not give up "one piece" of its territorial assets, adding that "challenges" to its sovereignty over Taiwan could bring China to use military force.
The US Navy recently sent two warships into the Taiwan Strait, which angered Beijing, like frequent bomber overflights and operations of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
Tensions are particularly strong in the South China Sea in recent months, with regular US B-52 bombers flying into the area and Chinese Navy naval warships defying US military ships and planes that venture too close to the territories occupied by China in the disputed waterway. .
Admiral John Richardson, chief of naval operations, said Monday that the US Navy would continue its freedom of navigation operations and challenge "illegitimate maritime claims".
