China conducts naval, air exercise around disputed shoal in South China Sea

China's military held a joint naval and air training exercise in the South China Sea near Scarborough Shoal. This training is part of China's efforts to enhance its capabilities in protecting its territorial sovereignty. The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command described the exercise as a necessary response to certain countries undermining regional stability. China claims the shoal, which is also claimed by the Philippines, as its territory.