China's defense ministry confirms drill in South China Sea

China's Ministry of National Defense confirmed on Tuesday that the Chinese navy will hold training exercises in the South China Sea that will include fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and other equipment.

The exercises will be held between Hainan Island and the Xisha islands "in the first 10-day period of July", according to a release posted on the ministry's website, which did not specify the astart and ending dates.

"The training activity was a routine arrangement made in accordance with the annual training plan of the Navy, and it aims at promoting the capability of the troops tackling security threats and fulfilling missions and tasks," the ministry said.