China's navy put on grand display Monday the full might of its missile and torpedo capabilities, an effort to prepare for a "cruel and short" conflict in the South China Sea.
The drills included ships, submarines, and aircraft, illustrating China's growing emphasis on integrated training under realistic conditions.
The show of strength comes just weeks after an international court dismissed the country’s rights to large areas of the sea.
On Tuesday, the Defense Ministry said the South China Sea exercises were aimed at improving the "intensity, precision, stability and speed" of its military.
"An information technology-based war at sea is sudden, cruel and short, which requires fast transition to combat status, quick preparation and high assault efficiency," the ministry said.
This is not the first time this year that China has flexed its muscles in the region. In the month of May, China sent nuclear submarines to the disputed area, demanded that the United States immediately cease and desist reconnaissance activity, and even intercepted a U.S. spy plane.