On Saturday, August 1st, 2026, the Chinese military held joint naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal, a contested reef in the South China Sea. The exercises coincided with the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The People’s Liberation Army Southern Theatre Command stated in a social media post that the drills were a necessary response to recent actions by certain countries in the region, which it said undermined regional peace and stability. The training aimed to test and enhance the PLA’s real combat capabilities to safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

This military activity followed Beijing’s criticism of the Philippines for what it described as an "illegal" attempt to extend its seabed rights off the coast of Palawan and assert claims over the reef.

Additionally, the official PLA Daily published an opinion piece urging the military to closely monitor changes in technology, warfare, and adversaries, and to intensify practical, combat-oriented training.

Sources