CHINA-US: SOUTH CHINA SEA
China's highest-ranking officer, Gen. Fan Changlong, is making an inspection visit to the Southern Theater Command, which includes the South China Sea. On July 20, 2016, Fan Changlong ordered officers and others to "profoundly understand the complexity of the grim situation facing our nation's security, step up all preparations for military struggle, ensure that orders are followed, and that we can get there and fight to win." (Comment: Despite suspicions on both sides, U.S.-China military-to-military exchanges have steadily gained pace in recent years. China's Navy is currently taking part for the second time in the Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, Exercises.)
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