China ready to deal with missile threats from US, Japan

Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. Photo: AP

According to Chinese media, more than 10 naval vessels from three different military regions participated in live-fire air defense and missile defense drills on August 11.

In an interview with the Global Times, Chinese military expert Song Zhongping commented: "Intercepting anti-ship missiles is an urgent task in the context of increasing surrounding threats," referring to potential threats from the US, Japan,...

"Missile defense capabilities are absolutely necessary in building a comprehensive operational strategic PLA navy. These exercises are aimed at ensuring the PLA is ready for combat," the military expert explained.

During the exercise, the Mai Chau, a Type 056 frigate with the South Sea Fleet equipped with anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles, shot down an approaching anti-ship missile, according to Asia Times.

Meanwhile, the Tong Ren, another Type 056 ship with the East Sea Fleet, reportedly missed its missile target, with the intention of demonstrating its ability to hit a missile with a second successful shot. This exercise followed two other naval exercises in the Yellow Sea and the South China Sea.

These Chinese exercises appear to be, in part, a response to RIMPAC, the largest international naval exercise led by the United States, where for the first time in history, Japanese missiles under the range of American firepower were used to target and sink a ship.

China is working to strengthen the combat capabilities of its navy, which is considered the world's largest. China is building new aircraft carriers, as well as heavy cruisers to protect the carriers.

To counter China's military exercises in the East China Sea, where China and Japan frequently dispute the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, Japan will deploy elite units on many islands in the East China Sea by the end of this year at the latest./.