Chinese navy holds live-fire drills in S. China SeaBEIJING--Mainland Chinese warships, fighter jets and submarines held live-fire war games in the South China Sea, state media reported Saturday, just days ahead of an international tribunal's ruling on a challenge to Beijing's expansive claims in the waters. China Central Television showed video of Friday's drills, conducted by three fleets of the People's Liberation Army Navy. Zhao Yanquan, a commander of a guided missile destroyer, said the scenario tested the troops' ability to locate enemy submarines, where enemy warships are attacking from and when enemy jets are taking off. Though mainland China has said the exercises are routine, they come ahead of a Hague-based tribunal's ruling Tuesday in a case brought by the Philippines contesting China's claims in the South China Sea. The drills are aimed at testing the navy's battle-readiness and are scheduled to run till Monday, CCTV said.

Source: The China Post July 09, 2016 16:16 UTC