China holds air force and navy drills near disputed Scarborough Shoal
China has conducted joint Air Force and Navy exercises in the area of the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.
The maneuvers took place on September 27 in the waters and airspace around the reef, which Beijing calls Huangyan Island and the Philippines calls Bajo de Masinloc. Both countries lay claim to the territory.
The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army of China called the exercises a necessary measure in response to the actions of "certain countries" that, according to Beijing's assessment, undermine peace and stability in the region.
According to the Chinese side, the maneuvers were aimed at testing and enhancing the combat capabilities of the troops to defend the territorial sovereignty and maritime interests of the PRC.
The China Coast Guard also held separate drills in the area of the reef that same day, practicing vessel inspections, blocking entry to certain areas, and forced towing.
Scarborough Shoal remains one of the main sources of tension between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. Beijing has effectively controlled it since 2012, although Manila continues to contest Chinese claims.
