China conducts naval, air patrols around disputed shoal in South China Sea

China's military has conducted joint air and naval combat drills in the vicinity of the Scarborough Shoal, a disputed feature in the South China Sea also claimed by the Philippines. The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command announced the exercises, stating they were held in the airspace and territorial waters around the shoal, which China refers to as Huangyan Dao.

The military described the drills as a necessary response to actions by unnamed "certain countries" that it claims are undermining regional peace and stability. While no specific nations were identified, the Scarborough Shoal is a focal point of territorial disputes involving China, the Philippines, and other regional players.

According to the Chinese military statement, the exercise was designed to test and enhance the combat readiness of its forces. The objective was to improve their ability to defend national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the strategically important South China Sea.