China Conducts Joint Naval and Air Combat Drills Around Scarborough Shoal
The PLA Southern Theater Command launched joint naval and air force maneuvers in the territorial waters and airspace of Scarborough Shoal on Saturday. Beijing stated the drills are a necessary response to the Philippines' recent establishment of maritime baselines, which China deems a violation of its sovereignty. The exercises aimed to test combat readiness as Manila recently deposited a nautical chart with the United Nations to reinforce its 2016 arbitral victory.