By Han Xudong, professor with the National Defence University PLA China

Panview Exclusive: According to China's Maritime Safety Administration (MSA), three fleets of the Chinese Navy are holding military drills near the Xisha Island in the South China Sea (SCS) as a regular exercise arranged in accordance with the annual plan.

The drill is a manifestation of strength by the Chinese Navy, to show they are confident and capable to safeguard the country's state interests.

They are the latest joint military drills conducted by three Chinese Naval fleets. Compared with other big countries, the Chinese Navy is young, one that was founded with the New China.

Yet, it has already developed into a peace-defending force that is impressive to the world. The Chinese Navy consists of three fleets: North China Sea fleet, East China Sea fleet and South China Sea fleet.

With increased overseas forays of China's national interests and upgraded threats at sea, the Chinese Navy is faced with constant pressures to upgrade its capabilities to defend the nation, which is also a new research topic.   

Demonstrating strength and containing threats have become strategic tasks for the Chinese Navy. There are many ways to manifest military strength by the Chinese Navy, and a joint drill by the three fleets would be an important one.

By progressing military capabilities, three Chinese Naval fleets could increase the frequency and challenges of their annual joint drills.

They've conducted joint drills in the Yellow Sea, East China Sea and South China Sea. In October 2013, they had gathered to the high seas of the western Pacific Ocean for the first time to carry out combined military drills.

Meanwhile, Beijing is deploying powerful fleets to join the "Pacific Rim -2016" allied naval exercises led by the United States, and to gather three fleets to conduct joint drills in the South China Sea.

The Chinese Navy can participate and hold two large-scale military exercises at the same time, serving as a manifestation of strength and confidence.

The South China Sea is the most complicated area in the Asia-Pacific regional security situation, and the area where China's national interest has received the most serious threats.

Some countries in the area and an extraterritorial big power have employed military means to threaten China's interests. Under such conditions, Beijing conforms with the principle of solving conflicts through peaceful methods, but "don't mess around and don't fear being challenged."

Beijing is ready to take on any challenges by all sorts of means, among which military exercises are one. The joint drills show the determination of the Chinese Navy to defend the country's interests, and announce to the world that China can meet possible challenges.

Drills are the best illustration for the stance, "Don't mess around and don't fear being challenged."

China has overcome challenges from its colonial era when it was trampled by others. She is capable of defending her dignity and dealing with challenges. Any attempts to mess with her integrity, sovereignty and national interests would not succeed.

The drills in the South China Sea are intensive with multi-discipline and mix of troops. Although much information can be interpreted, its aim is to show the world that China is capable and confident to defend her national interests.

( The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com. )

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