Chinese naval combat drill underway

Flotillas attached to the Beihai, Donghai and Nanhai Fleets started a confrontation drill in the west Pacific on Friday, according to the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The exercise is the first open-sea drill with maritime and air forces from all three of China's fleets taking part, said a PLA statement released Friday. This kind of drill hones open-sea combat and command competency, improving the navy's ability to safeguard national security and maritime interests.

Teams have been heading for destinations since Oct. 18, battling through gales and high waves brought by Typhoon Francisco.

Guidance for the forces will be kept at a moderate level, encouraging spontaneous confrontation between the flotillas, which are divided into two teams.

The confrontation stage of the drill will stimulate real combat with the utmost effort being made to fully test weapons and equipment.