As Biden Visits Asia, China Launches South China Sea Drills

In this photo released Dec. 31, 2021, by Xinhua News Agency, an undated photo shows a carrier-based J-15 fighter jet preparing to land on the Chinese navy's Liaoning aircraft-carrier during open-sea combat training. (Xinhua via AP)

China is holding military exercises in the disputed South China Sea coinciding with US President Joe Biden’s visits to South Korea and Japan that are largely focused on countering the perceived threat from Beijing.

The Maritime Safety Administration office in the southern island province of Hainan said the drills began Thursday and would continue through Monday.