China Launches Drills Around Disputed Shoal As US, Allies Carry Out War Games In Region
China also called out Japan for participating in regional activities with the "Quad", adding a warning that the country is "Reviving Militarism".
INDO-PACIFIC - China has launched military drills around the disputed Scarborough Shoal, in what appears to be a response to drills and war games being carried out by the United States, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines in the area.
China also called out Japan for participating in regional activities with the "Quad", adding a warning that the country is "Reviving Militarism".
On Wednesday China's Southern Theater Command said it carried out air and sea combat patrols near Huangyan Island, which is what China calls the Scarborough Shoal, in order to test "strike capabilities".
Beijing said that the maneuvers tested the reconnaissance and early warning capabilities of its forces, adding "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".
Meanwhile, the United States and its allies released a joint statement that said they "stand together to address common maritime challenges and underscore our shared dedication to upholding international law and the rules-based order”.