Analysis of participation by three fleets and seven military regions
The Nanjing and Shenyang Military Regions both took part in more than 50 exercises in response to tightening global security situations as well as China’s changing peripheral situations. All three of the navy’s fleets engaged in exercises on the high seas, compared with just one fleet in 2013. The Chengdu and Lanzhou Military Regions both participated in more special operations exercises last year than in 2013.
Monthly chart of 2014 exercises
Most of the exercises were conducted from May to October – about 40 a month on average. Summer and fall are the best seasons to stage exercises while the freezing winters allow the military to test morale and combat equipment in very cold situations. At the end of February, the marine corps went to extremely cold regions to train for the first time. March, when the annual sessions of China’s top legislature and political advisory body convene, witnessed the fewest exercises.
