China’s PLA Southern Theater Command conducted joint naval and air exercises in the areas surrounding Scarborough Shoal, known in Taiwan as Huangyan Island, over the weekend. The PLA announced the actions on Sunday, September 27, calling the exercises necessary action against countries undermining regional stability. The exercises come days after a standoff with the Philippines at Second Thomas Shoal, or Ren’ai Reef, in the Spratly Islands. 

Chinese state media organizations cited the PLA Southern Command’s WeChat account, explaining that the drills were also meant to improve troops' combat capabilities for safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

The Scarborough Shoal is only 200km west of the Philippines’ Luzon Island and over 870km south of China’s Hainan Island, and has been a consistent flashpoint for both countries, especially in the last week.

On September 25, the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) claimed China obstructed a resupply mission for a grounded WWII-era ship in the area. In a statement, PCG officials said their mission was temporarily suspended after Chinese vessels carried out “dangerous maneuvers” which put the Filipino crew at serious risk. The Chinese Coast Guard called the PCG mission and the presence of the grounded ship intentionally provocative, stating they took all necessary measures to safeguard their territorial rights. 

Taiwan and the Philippines have vowed more cooperation, with Taiwan donating a decommissioned vessel to the PCG. Both countries have had increasing territorial disputes over the situation in the South China Sea, finding common ground in the face of the PRC’s continued incursions.