South China Sea: China just conducted its biggest-ever display of naval power

China’s military put on something of a show in the contested South China Sea this week. In its largest-ever maritime exercise, the People’s Liberation Army sent forth 48 warships, 76 aircraft, and more than 10,000 personnel, with president Xi Jinping making an appearance yesterday to watch the proceedings and address the troops.

Speaking aboard a destroyer and dressed in military fatigues, Xi reiterated the goal of transforming the nation’s navy into a world-class force, adding, “The mission of building a mighty people’s navy has never been more urgent than it is today.”

China’s military technology has been rapidly advancing under Xi. In February admiral Harry Harris, head of the US Pacific Command, warned lawmakers that “China’s impressive military buildup could soon challenge the United States across almost every domain.”