China Begins Conducting Naval Drills in South China Sea

China has begun conducting naval drills in the South China Sea amid territorial disputes with several other nations.

The drills began on Monday, when two destroyers and China’s largest amphibious landing craft set sail from a Chinese naval base on the island of Hainan. The vessels also contain three helicopters and a company of Marines.

According to Xinhua News Agency in China, Commander Jiang Weilie said the naval exercises would simulate integrated combat missions involving ships, submarines and aircraft.

China has been locked in disputes with various countries including the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei over control of the South china Sea. They frequently utilize patrol vessels, and are demanding that other nations get permission to fish in the area.