Mohan Sinha
04 Aug 2026, 01:09 GMT+10
BEIJING, China: China's military carried out joint air and naval drills near the disputed Scarborough Shoal on August 1, according to a statement from the People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command.
The exercises took place in the waters and airspace around the shoal, which China calls Huangyan Dao.
The Chinese military said the drills were a response to actions by other countries that it believes threaten peace and stability in the region. It did not name those countries. The shoal is also claimed by the Philippines, where it is known as Bajo de Masinloc.
The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately comment on the drills.
The Chinese military said the exercises were meant to test and improve its forces' ability to defend the country's territorial claims and maritime rights.
China also announced a new policy to manage the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve, established in September 2025. The policy bans activities such as fishing without permission, mining, and the collection of coral or giant clams.
"Violators of the ban will be held legally accountable," Xinhua said.
According to Xinhua News Agency, the China Coast Guard will conduct regular patrols in the area to deter illegal activities.
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