China Conducts Military Drills After Philippines Sets Maritime Baselines

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China condemned the Philippines on July 31, 2026, for delimiting territorial sea baselines around Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) and depositing a nautical chart of the area with the United Nations. Beijing declared the move and the Philippines' Maritime Zones Act a grave infringement on its sovereignty and a violation of international law, asserting that the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling is null and void.

In response, the People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command conducted joint naval and air training exercises around Huangyan Island on August 1. The drills featured H-6K bombers armed with YJ-12 supersonic anti-ship missiles, Type 071 amphibious transport docks, warships, and helicopters. The operations focused on joint strikes, air-sea control, and amphibious landing capabilities to deter the Philippines and other external actors.

Simultaneously, the China Coast Guard carried out rights protection enforcement exercises, which included boarding, searching, seizing, and towing vessels. China announced it would intensify enforcement and control efforts in the waters near the island to safeguard its maritime rights. The Southern Theater Command stated that its forces remain on high alert to defend national territorial sovereignty.