China Conducts Military Drills Near Scarborough Shoal Amid Regional Tensions

The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command announced that it conducted joint air and naval combat drills in the airspace and waters around the disputed Scarborough Shoal, which China calls Huangyan Dao. The Chinese military described the exercise as a necessary response to actions by "certain countries" that it claims undermine regional peace and stability, without naming any specific nations. The Philippines also claims sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal, known as Bajo de Masinloc in the country. The Philippine Embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the Chinese military exercises. The Chinese military stated that the exercise aimed to test and improve the combat readiness of its forces to defend national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. Separately, China issued a new policy on Saturday for the administration of the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve, established in September 2025. According to Xinhua news agency, unauthorized fishing, mining, extraction of coral or giant clams, and other harmful activities will be banned, and violators will be held legally accountable. These actions highlight China's ongoing maritime assertiveness in the South China Sea and underscore the tensions with neighboring countries. The Philippines has been calling for firm responses based on international law against activities within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and these drills could pose a security concern for the Philippine government.