China Launches Large-Scale Military Drills in Disputed Regions

© SPUTNIK/ VITALIY ANKOV

The exercises also come amidst a push by the administration of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to expand his country’s military role abroad. Nationwide protests have erupted in Japan against a series of legislative proposals aimed at reversing the nation’s longstanding pacifist constitution.

These policy changes come partially in response to pressure from the United States, which has pushed Japan to play a stronger role in countering what it sees as Chinese aggression.

China is also currently conducting joint military exercises with Russia in the Sea of Japan, a move seen as a major sign of renewed cooperation between the two countries.

The South China Sea drills will be conducted in cooperation with Malaysia in September. Codenamed “Peace and Friendship 2015,” the exercises will include search and rescue operations with 1,160 Chinese participants.

The Malaysian exercises will utilize two Chinese destroyer-frigates, four transportation aircraft, and three shipboard helicopters, according to Xinhua.

Credit to Sputnik

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