China conducts naval and air exercise around disputed Scarborough Shoal
The PLA Southern Theater Command said the training around the shoal was a response to actions by certain countries.
(adds China Coast Guard statement in 4th bullet point) SHANGHAI, Sept 27 (Reuters) — China's military conducted a joint naval and air training exercise around a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, it said on Sunday. The training was held in the waters and airspace around the Scarborough Shoal, which China calls Huangyan Dao. It is also claimed by the Philippines, where it is known as Bajo de Masinloc. The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, in a statement on WeChat, described the operation as a necessary response to actions by "certain countries" it said had undermined regional peace and stability.
The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command said the training "aims to test and enhance combat capabilities in safeguarding China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests". A separate statement on WeChat from China Coast Guard spokesperson Jiang Lue said the coast guard had conducted drills focused on operations including boarding and inspection, intrusion interdiction and forced towing on Sunday. The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the Chinese military training. com)