Chinese military conducted joint air and naval combat exercises near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. This was reported by the People's Liberation Army of China, according to Reuters, writes UNN.
Details
According to the Chinese side, the exercises took place in the airspace and territorial waters around the shoal, which Beijing calls Huangyan Dao.
The People's Liberation Army of China stated that the maneuvers were a response to the actions of "certain countries" that, according to Beijing, undermine peace and stability in the region. At the same time, the statement did not specify which states are being referred to.
Beijing declared the protection of sovereignty
The Chinese military emphasized that the purpose of the exercises was to test and enhance the combat readiness of the armed forces to protect the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
Reuters notes that the Scarborough Shoal is also claimed by the Philippines, where it is known as Bajo de Masinloc. The Philippine Embassy in Beijing has not yet commented on the conduct of the Chinese military exercises.
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