Warships, Civilian Vessels Join Forces in Drills

"Shichang", a training warship of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, recently participated in a 17-day exercise focused on the war-time mobilization of civilian vessels.

During the 17 days, the training ship traveled 4,000 nautical miles to drill with the backdrop of a future regional, off-shore war.

The PLA Navy also sent aircraft and other warships to join hands with "Shichang" and civilian boats in transporting warfare materials and troops. Thirty naval reservists took part in the drills.

The exercise involved a dozen military and government departments, according to naval sources.

The PLA Navy plans to conduct another exercise on mobilizing civilian vessels to transport army troops, the sources said.



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