China’s maritime authorities cordoned off a large section of waters from Hainan to the Paracels from August 6 for a military drill on a scale that analysts say could involve tests of carrier-killer ballistic missiles. The launches will depend on whether US exercises nearby threaten China’s sovereignty. The proposed PLA Navy exercises are expected to be fairly large and come at a time when the US and other countries including India are already undertaking maritime exercises. Chinese military media assess that other arms and services will also be participating in these exercises. Chinese analysts say it is probable that medium and long-range missiles and the Rocket Army’s long-range missiles will be fired in this area.