China has conducted military drills in the disputed South China Sea simulating actual combat against potential enemies,a report from the military-backed newspaper, the PLA Daily, said.

The military training, which began on April 7, focused on new methods to increase and improve the fleets' combat readiness and effectiveness.

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Part of the military drills included visibility range training, training within an electromagnetic environment, all-weather drills, and other military exercises.

"To think about special situations in an even more complex way, to make the enemy situation even more dangerous, to make the battlefield environment even more lifelike, is an important path in order for the navy and air force to stick close to the demands of real combat and accelerate its transformative production model for fighting strength,"  Tian Junqing, division commander, said.

More military exercises

PLA Daily reported that more military exercises will be conducted by Beijing in the South China Sea which will include 24-hour maritime attack drills and other strategies.

The fleets would also work in coordination with other branches of the military such as surface ships and ground anti-aircraft defense.

Beijing has warned Western nations not to interfere with the South China Sea dispute as New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key commenced his visit to China.

Absolute outsider

China's state-run news agency, Xinhua, reiterated in a commentary that New Zealand was "an absolute outsider in the dispute and not a concerned party."

The commentary said the two nations should work mutually to enhance their bilateral relations and focus on strengthening their economic ties and free trade deal.

Trade between the two nations reached US$13 billion last year.

"Any attempt by Wellington to break its promise not to take sides on the issue would risk complicating the flourishing trade ties between China and New Zealand," the commentary said.

Tagschina, military drills, South China Sea, combat readiness, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, maritime attack drills