China’s 40-vessel drill to boost war capabilities ‘posed no threat’ in disputed South China Sea
‘Only those who are used to threatening others will see others as a threat,’ a ministry spokesman said after military’s big show of force in contested waters
The Chinese military aimed to enhance its “war-fighting capabilities” without departing from a policy of peaceful development with its recent large-scale naval drills in the contested South China Sea, a spokesman for China’s defence ministry said.
Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang, asked to comment about the military’s deployment of an aircraft carrier and dozens of warships in the region, told reporters on Thursday that the “routine” exercises were in line with China’s “defensive” military policy and that its South China Sea activities posed no threat to other countries.
“Only those who are used to threatening others will see others as a threat,” Ren said during a press conference.
His comments came after satellite images taken on Monday showed at least 40 ships and submarines had flanked the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning in the controversial region, off Hainan island.
The flotilla was headed by what appeared to be submarines, with aircraft above, according to the images carried by Reuters.
