China has also been deploying increasing numbers of non-military government ships such as coastguard, marine research and maritime safety vessels in waters around Taiwan. Defence experts believe the missions gather ocean data for submarine warfare and simulate coercive measures that could be used in a blockade.

Amid continued saber-rattling from Beijing, everyday Chinese are more focused on bread-and-butter issues like the slowing economy, an analyst says.

Large-scale helicopter assault, long-range rockets and sophisticated electronic warfare by naval forces highlighted in evening documentary.

Typhoon Bebinca left a trail of destruction in Shanghai, China, battering the city for six hours yesterday. The storm struck the city with heavy rains and intense winds on September 16. Bebinca has caused flight cancellations in Shanghai and suspended passenger ferry services.