Beijing, Oct 19

The Chinese navy has started a combat drill in the west Pacific Ocean, the official PLA Daily reported Saturday.

The exercise, which began Friday and will last until the beginning of November, is expected to improve high sea combat abilities and hone strategies for utilising information technologies, Xinhua reported.

Three fleets of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy -- North China Sea Fleet, East China Sea Fleet and South China Sea Fleet -- will join the drill.

It will drive training for the armed forces of China's fleets, submarines, planes and shore missiles.

The PLA Navy said the drill is in line with international laws and practices.

By:IANS