China conducts military drills in South China Sea after Philippines clashes

China's military has conducted drills with its Coast Guard near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, signaling a show of force following recent confrontations with the Philippines. The People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command announced that navy and air force units participated in exercises on Saturday.

A spokesperson stated the drills were based on the current situation in the South China Sea and served as a response to actions by "certain countries" that undermine regional peace and stability. State broadcaster CCTV aired footage of warships patrolling and an aircraft taking off, accompanied by patriotic music.

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This is an action made based on the current situation in the South China Sea and in response to the actions of certain countries in the region that undermine regional peace and stability.

China's Coast Guard also reported conducting daytime drills near the shoal, focusing on operations such as vessel boarding, searches, seizures, and forced towing. The agency asserted its determination to resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

Beijing claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, a vital global trade route, despite an international tribunal ruling that its claims lack legal basis. Frequent confrontations occur in these waters, particularly between China and the Philippines, which also claims parts of the area.

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The authorities will resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and its maritime rights and interests.