China has conducted joint naval and air combat drills around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, further escalating tensions in one of the world's most contested maritime regions.

The exercises, announced by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, were described as a test of combat readiness and a demonstration of China's ability to defend what it calls its maritime rights and interests.

The drills took place around Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Dao in China and Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines. The reef lies approximately 220 kilometres west of Luzon and falls within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under international law.

China-Philippines Dispute Deepens | PLA Conducts Joint Naval And Air Exercises

Tensions boil over in the South China Sea as the China Coast Guard deploys water cannons and performs reckless blocking maneuvers against Philippine government and fisheries vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal for a second consecutive day.

South China Sea clash continues as China and Philippines face off near Scarborough Shoal

China on Wednesday (Nov. 13) held sea and air combat drills at the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. China seized this uninhabited area from the Philippines in 2012.

China holds drills at Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday reported a recent incident of "close distance maneuvering" by a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel in the disputed South China Sea that "constrained" the movement of a Philippine ship sailing nearby.

Philippines slams Chinese ship's 'close distance maneuvering' at Scarborough Shoal

As US military warships sailed near the disputed islands in the South China Sea, China hit back at the US asserting that it should "immediately stop provocative actions" as relations between the two nations continued to remain on the boil.

US should immediately stop provocative action in South China Sea: China

Since 2012, China has deployed its coastguard to block the shoal from Filipinos, despite being located inside Philippines' EEZ

China declines to say if it supports Philippine fishing ban at disputed Scarborough Shoal

After the Hague ruling, the former president's visit is being viewed as an opportunity to open a new chapter in settling disputes with China

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Beijing agreed to open negotiations with Manila, but set the pre-condition that The Hague ruling be disregarded

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