Chinese military holds drills in response of THAAD deployment

Chinese military holds drills in response of THAAD deployment

BEIJING: The Chinese military will carry-out real combat-oriented training and drills, as well as tests on its new-type weaponry to safeguard national security and regional peace and stability.

This was stated by a spokesperson of the Chinese Defense Ministry, Yang Yujun while responding to a question during a press conference here on Thursday.

He said, the Chinese Central Military Commission had decided to reorganize the People's Liberation Army (PLA), adding, 13 army groups will be formed from the previous 18.

The move is a crucial step to build a strong and modernized new-type army and is important to shifting the focus of the PLA from quantity to quality and efficiency, he said.

In response to a question on reform of military academies and research institutions, Yang said that the reform aims to adapt to the new command system and military structure, as well as to provide talent and theoretical and technological support to the building of a first-class military force.

The reform is now underway, he added.

About a question on the latest development regarding deployment of THAAD anti-missile system in Republic of Korea (ROK), he said, China resolutely opposed the deployment of the THAAD anti-missile defence system, pledging to continue real combat-oriented military training and drills to safeguard national security.

Yang noted that the current situation in the Korean Peninsula was complicated and sensitive and that China had been involved in much constructive work for regional peace and stability. (APP)