South China Sea row: China to prepare for 'war at sea'

Beijing: Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan on Tuesday warned of offshore security threats and called for substantial preparation for a "war at sea" to safeguard the country's sovereignty.

Chang said this during an inspection of national defence work in coastal regions of Zhejiang province, Xinhua news agency reported.

He called for recognition of the seriousness of the national security situation, especially the threat from the sea.

Chang said the military should prepare to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also asked the military to promote national defence education among the public.