Chinese leader Xi Jinping has told his military to prepare their forces on the South Sea for any possibilities, including war, reports the South China Morning Post.
On a visit to Southern Theatre Command, the Communist party leader said China must "take all complex situations into consideration and make emergency plans accordingly".
He ordered the military monitoring the South China Sea and Taiwan to boost its capabilities so it can handle any emergency.
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State broadcaster CCTV quoted Xi saying "it is necessary to strengthen the mission and concentrate preparations for fighting a war".
"We have to step up combat readiness exercises, joint exercises and confrontational exercises to enhance servicemen's capabilities and preparation for war."
His speech was released a day after China's State Councillor General and Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said challenges over the sovereignty of Taiwan were dangerous and would result in military action, reported the South China Morning Post.
Beijing has claimed territorial rights to the South China Sea, and there are suspicions that the strengthening of this military section is likely a signal to the US and any parties that the waters are being guarded by Beijing.
A Chinese and an American ship almost collided in the South China Sea earlier this month after the Chinese ship made what America described as an "unsafe and unprofessional" manoeuvre in an attempt to warn them to leave the area.
Newshub.
