Advertisement
Chinese military ‘ready for any external provocation’ during Winter Olympics
- With a week to go until the Games, PLA embarks on various naval exercises in its waters
- Defence ministry takes aim at the US over its ‘pride in provocation’
Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
38
China’s navy has embarked on a series of military exercises in its waters this week, saying it is prepared for any kind of provocation during the Winter Olympics.
Defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said on Thursday that China would ensure the Games were safe and “splendid”, and the People’s Liberation Army stood ready for any situation.
“The Chinese military is also fully prepared for any external provocation and contingency,” Wu said.
Advertisement
The assurance comes after US military drills in the South China Sea and the arrival of a US ballistic-missile submarine in Guam in recent weeks.
It also comes amid speculation in Chinese media that the United States and its allies could hold further military exercises near China during the Olympics, which start on February 4.
Advertisement
Wu also said the US “took pride” in military provocation, citing intentional close-in reconnaissance by its guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin.
Wu said China has lodged stern representations to the US in April last year when the USS Mustin tracked the Chinese carrier Liaoning in the South China Sea.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x