Two Chinese SU-30 fighter jets take off from an unspecified location to fly a patrol over the South China Sea. Addressing commanders at the Jiangsu province headquarters, Xi "stressed efforts to ... break new ground for theater command development and war preparedness," state media reported. The PLA, the world's largest standing armed force, serves as the military wing of the Chinese Communist Party and is overseen by a committee headed by Xi. Beijing also objects vigorously to US military support for Taiwan, and lashed out on Wednesday at an upcoming $440-million sale of cannon shells and other equipment, accusing Washington of turning Taiwan into a powder keg. Yellen is not expected to meet with Xi during her visit.
