The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army organized joint naval and air exercises in the territorial waters and airspace of Huangyan Island and its surrounding areas on Saturday, said an official statement.
The theater command noted in the statement that it is a necessary action in response to the current situation in the South China Sea and certain regional countries that have undermined regional peace and stability.
"The exercises aim to test and enhance the troops' combat readiness in safeguarding national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights," the theater command added.
