Unic Press UK: Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the country’s military to prepare for war as tensions rise over the United States military activities in the South China Sea.
Speaking on Thursday during a visit to and an inspection of the Southern Theatre Command of the Chinese military, Jinping said:
It’s necessary to strengthen the mission … and concentrate preparations for fighting a war. We need to take all complex situations into consideration and make emergency plans accordingly. We have to step up combat readiness exercises, joint exercises and confrontational exercises to enhance servicemen’s capabilities and preparation for war,” the South China Morning Post reported on Friday.
China has strategic interests in the South China Sea, where its claims sovereignty over a number of islands. But the U.S. disagrees, arguing that its mission in the disputed islands is backed by Freedom of Navigation.
There has been several unpleasant encounters between the Chinese forces and the U.S. forces. In one instance, this month October, a U.S. military warship collided with a Chinese destroyer.
