CHINA’S Defence Ministry said yesterday that its ongoing East China Sea naval exercises, which began on Monday, were aimed at improving the “intensity, precision, stability and speed” of its military.

“An information technology-based war at sea is sudden, cruel and short, which requires fast transition to combat status, quick preparation and high assault efficiency,” the ministry said.

The drills include ships, submarines, aircraft and coastguard forces, illustrating China’s growing emphasis on integrated training under realistic conditions.

Its navy has fired dozens of missiles and torpedoes during the exercises, underscoring Beijing’s determination to back up sovereignty claims with force if needed.

The live-fire drills follow China’s rejection of an international arbitration panel ruling at The Hague last month dismissing Beijing’s claims to much of the South China Sea.

China also claims a string of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea that are currently controlled by Japan.