Through Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng, the Chinese army expressed its opposition to and protest against Japan’s "purchase" of the Diaoyu (Senkaku) islands. Geng stated, “The Chinese military is watching the developments closely and reserves the right to take corresponding measures.”
How to interpret the stance of the Chinese military? Where are Sino-Japanese relations headed? Rear Admiral Zhang Zhaozhong, a Professor from National Defense University, answered these questions in an interview with a Xinhua reporter.
Zhang said that the spokesman’s statement made two points: “One is that the Chinese PLA has the ability to defend China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The second is that China reserves the right to use this ability.” As for the military drills, Zhang explained, “They are routine drills planned from the previous year, but because they are conducted at this special time, they can have the effect of causing fear.”
Source: Xinhua, September 12, 2012
http://news.xinhuanet.com/mil/2012-09/12/c_123707856.htm