Beijing, Manila and allies, launch drills near South China Sea flashpoint | South China Sea News [Video]

China’s military has launched military drills near a territory in the South China Sea over which it contests sovereignty with the Philippines.

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 appear to be a response to same-day military manoeuvres by the United States, Australia, Canada and the Philippines.

The Chinese manoeuvres 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.

In a joint statement, military chiefs from the US, Australia, Canada and the Philippines said they “stand together to address common maritime challenges and underscore our shared dedication to upholding international law and the rules-based order”. They said the two-day exercises were being held …