China counters Western-led regional drills with combat patrols in disputed waters

In 2024, China defined a baseline of "territorial waters" around the Scarborough Shoal, which it claims as its territory and calls Huangyan Island. Manila protested the Chinese claims, saying they, "infringe upon Philippine sovereignty and contravene international law."

China has previously criticised the joint military exercises by the Philippines and its allies, saying they raise regional tension.

The Asia-Pacific region needs peace and stability, rather than outside powers stirring up division, Chinese defence ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang told a press conference on Thursday, in comments on the US-Philippine drills.

(Reporting by Beijing Newsroom, additional reporting by Nestor Corrales in Manila; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Clarence Fernandez)