China conducts naval, air patrols around disputed shoal near the Philippines

China's military has conducted joint air and naval combat drills in the vicinity of the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command announced the exercises, which took place in the airspace and territorial waters surrounding the shoal, known as Huangyan Dao in China.

The military characterized the drills as a necessary response to unspecified actions by "certain countries" that it claims are undermining regional peace and stability. While no specific nations were named, the Philippines also claims sovereignty over the shoal, where it is known as Bajo de Masinloc.

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The drills were held in the airspace and territorial waters around the shoal.

According to the Chinese military statement, the primary objective of the exercise was to test and enhance the combat readiness of its forces. The drills are intended to bolster China's ability to defend its national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the strategically important South China Sea.

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The exercise was aimed at testing and improving the combat readiness of China’s forces to defend national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.