CCTV9英语新闻：Chinese troops to join ASEAN drill

China says its military will take part in a joint maritime security and anti-terror drill, under the framework of an enlarged ASEAN defense ministers' meeting.

 

"The Chinese military will dispatch the 'Lanzhou' guided-missile destroyer, 12 special forces soldiers, and 4 staff officers. This is the first maritime security and anti-terror exercise under the framework of the enlarged ASEAN defense ministers' meeting. It is helpful for soldiers from every country to learn from each other's experience, and deepen practical cooperation in defense and security,"  Chinese Defense Minsitry spokesman Wu Qian said.

 

The joint drill will be held from May 1st to May 12th in Brunei and Singapore. It aims to increase military coordination to deal with security threats in the Asia-Pacific region. China's defense ministry also said it will closely monitor the waters and airspace of the South China Sea. A spokesman said it was responding to a question about media reports which say the United States is to begin more actions to assert what it calls "freedom of navigation," Wu said.

 

The so-called navigational freedom destabilises regional stability, it has become an excuse for the US to intervene in the disputes in the South China Sea, it is a provocation to China politically and militarily. We will take any necessary measures. The rising frequency of US fleets will not change the fact that islands and surrounding waters in the South China Sea belong to China, the fact that China is developing to be stronger, and the determination of the People's Liberation Army to safeguard China's sovereignty.