Grapevine

By Al Jazeera
Aug 8, 2024

Beijing, Manila and allies, launch drills near South China Sea flashpoint

Chinese military buzzes contested Scarborough Shoal, as Philippines runs war games with US and other Western allies.

China’s military has launched military drills near disputed waters in the South China Sea.

The Southern Theatre Command said on Wednesday that it had carried out air and sea combat patrols “near Huangyan Island” – the Chinese name for the Scarborough Shoal – to test “strike capabilities”. The exercises appeared to be a response to same-day military manoeuvres by the United States, Australia, Canada and the Philippines.

The Chinese exercises tested the reconnaissance and early warning capabilities of its troops, Beijing said.

“All military activities that disrupt the South China Sea, create hotspots, and undermine regional peace and stability are all being controlled to the best extent,” it noted.