Crews at an air unit of the Jinan Military Region pilot new-type fighters J-11B in a live ammunition drill to enhance operation capabilities, as part of China's recent efforts to step up its military exercises.

Crews at an air unit of the Jinan Military Region pilot new-type fighters J-11B in a live ammunition drill to enhance operation capabilities, as part of China's recent efforts to step up its military exercises.[Photo/chinamil.com.cn]

The exercises included operation of jet fighters and three ships carrying amphibious armored forces, which landed near the shores and released dozens of amphibian tanks.

The Nanjing, Jinan, Chengdu and Guangzhou military regions recently conducted large-scale exercises, in an attempt that experts believe is meant to serve as a warning to Japan over its claim to the Diaoyu Islands.

The exercises were conducted as tensions have grown between China and Japan over the Diaoyu Islands row.

Last week, China dispatched two fleets of maritime surveillance ships to the islands after announcing that the region formed part of the baseline of its maritime boundary.

The People's Liberation Army said last Tuesday that it "reserves the right" to take action on the Diaoyu Islands after the Japanese government ignored warnings from Beijing and "purchased" three of the islands, which belong to China.