Chinese military holds ‘combat readiness’ patrols on National Day

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Chinese military held “combat readiness” patrols in the disputed South China Sea as the nation marked 75 years of its founding on Tuesday, according to the state media.

The two-day annual military training was held since Monday by the People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theater Command, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

“It is aimed at enhancing the joint operational capabilities and firmly maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea region,” said the PLA about the naval drills.

The drills were held as China is commemorating the 75th anniversary of its founding.

Authorities held a flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square in downtown Beijing to commemorate the National Day.

On Monday evening, the eve of the National Day, at least three people were killed and 15 others were injured in a knife attack in the southern city of Shanghai.