According to a statement issued by the PLA Navy (PLAN) South Sea Fleet several of China’s newest warships including the guided missile destroyer the Hefei, guided missile frigate the Yuncheng, amphibious landing dock Changbaishan and the replenishment oiler Honghu took part in the 34-day long exercises that commenced on January 16, and included 20 drills by joint forces.  The exercise, intended to simulate a real wartime situation, had no pre-planned scenario and no advance notice was given, with all command instructions and procedures following an actual combat situation. Other training included repelling advancing vessels, rescue by force and live-fire exercises. A source close to the PLA said the Rocket Force also sent a communication group to take part because one of the drills involved missile defence, and troops stationed on Chinese-controlled islands in the South China Sea also joined the exercises. He said “The Rocket Force would like to deploy its HQ-9 anti-air missiles and YJ anti-ship missiles on Woody Island on a permanent basis.”