China holds military drills near disputed shoal in the South China Sea

On Saturday, China conducted joint naval, air, and coast guard drills near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, known in China as Huangyan Island. The exercises took place amid intensifying territorial tensions between Beijing and the Philippines over the contested reef.

According to official statements, the operations carried out by China's coast guard included vessel searches, forced entry, and towing operations, highlighting an escalation of tactical maneuvers in the strategic waterway.