PLA stages South China Sea drills days after 'illegal' Philippine territorial bid
China's People's Liberation Army held military drills in the South China Sea days after the Philippines renewed a territorial claim in the area. Beijing called the claim 'illegal,' while Manila rejected the characterization.
China's People's Liberation Army conducted naval and air drills in the South China Sea days after the Philippines renewed a territorial claim in a contested part of the waterway. China's defense ministry described the exercises as part of routine readiness activities.
Beijing characterized the Philippine claim as inconsistent with international law. Manila rejected that characterization, maintaining that its claim is grounded in maritime law.
Other countries in the region are closely watching the development. Analysts say the drills could raise regional tensions, though they note neither side appears to want direct confrontation.
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