China's massive military exercise kicks off...

via Sputnik.

Amid high tensions in the South China Sea, Beijing announced it conducted large-scale military drills at both air and sea on Tuesday, focusing on new information warfare systems.
With over 100 ships and dozens of aircraft, state-run China Military Online reported that Beijing conducted large, live-ammunition drills in the South China Sea.
According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, the exercises concentrated on integrating information warfare systems between air and naval defense, and accomplished "new breakthrough" in China’s military capabilities.
Using a variety of new weapons, as well as "all sorts of information technology tactics," military forces were able to successfully conduct anti-submarine drills, intercept supersonic anti-ship missiles, and engage with high-speed low-altitude targets.

Here.

First, let me applaud Sputnik.  Haven't read about this anywhere in the Western press.  I haven't taken my internet spin around the Pacific nation news sites yet but as far as US, Canadian and European papers?  Nothing.  Zilch.  Nada.

Next,  check out the size of the participating ships.  100?  That's a sizable exercise no matter who you are.

Last, I wonder if US observers were invited to watch?

Once again, let repeat that its not the tech thefts that should worry military leadership.  Its the tactics.  Integrating information warfare systems?  Sorry folks, I know you're tired of it, but....F-35 fanboys talk about that plane being the hub of a new way of warfare.  I've said all along that you could do it cheaper and easier with a few stealth UAVs, E-2D/E-3 and the AEGIS destroyers operating with the Growler/F/A-18.

I think that's exactly what the Chinese are doing.  When their stealth aircraft enter service they'll simply be added to a system that's already up and running.

The anti-sub drills are self explanatory.  The Chinese have identified that weakness and are seeking to correct themselves.

China has the US firmly in its sights.  Taiwan, Japan, Australia, S. Korea, India...they're all sides shows.

Be happy though.  A good enemy can make you better....if you rise to the challenge, look him in the eye....then punch him in the throat.