China started referring to major military exercises as 'executing military missions' quite early on, so this is not the first time it's been mentioned. Of course, one could say that executing military missions is of a much higher level and intensity than military exercises. Defining restricted zones, live-fire drills, continuous training, and a two-week-long military mission—this is all about applying sustained pressure on the other side. Military actions closely coordinated with diplomatic moves form a complete warning system.