PLA stages National Day drill in South China Sea in wake of 5-nation exercise

The drill in the disputed waters follows joint manoeuvres by the Philippines, US, Australia, Japan and New Zealand

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Undated photo of an exercise conducted by the PLA’s Southern Theatre Command. Photo: weixin.qq.com

Published: 10:00pm, 1 Oct 2024Updated: 11:24pm, 1 Oct 2024

China conducted a naval drill in the South China Sea this week, days after its top diplomat Wang Yi accused the United States of stirring up trouble in the disputed waterway.

The People’s Liberation Army drill, which coincided with China’s National Day, followed an exercise involving the US, the Philippines, Australia, Japan and New Zealand that began on Saturday.

“As part of its annual military training arrangement, the PLA Southern Theatre Command organised a flotilla to carry out combat-ready cruises from September 30 to October 1 in relevant areas in the South China Sea,” the Southern Theatre Command said.

“The purpose is to raise our joint operation capability, and demonstrate our resolve in safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea area.”

It did not say what ships were involved or give details about the location.

The PLA also conducted a drill around Scarborough Shoal in an area Manila claims as part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Friday, hours after the five nations’ joint operation began.

The Philippines said the five-nation exercise was intended to demonstrate their “collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific [and enhance] … cooperation and interoperability”.