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

Key facts

• China's military conducted joint air and naval drills around the Scarborough Shoal.
• The exercises were described as a response to actions undermining regional stability.
• The drills took place days after the Philippines lodged a territorial protest.

China's military conducted joint air and naval drills around the disputed Scarborough Shoal, stating the exercises were a response to actions undermining regional stability. The drills occurred days after the Philippines lodged a territorial protest.