China's military exercises in South China Sea respond to Philippine provocations “China’s training exercises serve as a serious warning against violations and provocations by the Philippine side. These are necessary and legitimate measures to safeguard China’s sovereignty and rights of Huangyan Dao,” said a Chinese defense spokesperson on August 7, 2026. It's reported that after the Philippines deposited its so-called official nautical chart of Huangyan Dao and its surrounding maritime zones with the UN, the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command conducted joint exercises in the territorial waters and airspace of Huangyan Dao as well as its surrounding areas. The China Coast Guard also carried out law-enforcement training in relevant waters. The spokesperson for the Philippine National Maritime Council claimed that any drills conducted by the Chinese side in this area are deemed illegal. In response to the reports, a Chinese defense spokesperson stressed at a press briefing on Friday that Huangyan Dao is China's inherent territory. China has continuously, peacefully and effectively exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction over the island, and is the only country entitled by international law to declare the baselines of the territorial sea of Huangyan Dao. The spokesperson pointed out that relevant actions of the Philippine side seriously violated China's territorial sovereignty, international law and the basic norms of international relations. “They are illegal, null and void,” stressed the spokesperson. The spokesperson added that since its independence in 1946, the Philippines has expanded its claims of territory and jurisdictional waters through domestic legislation under the banner of international law. Its behavior has led to wide wariness, dissatisfaction and strong opposition from other littoral countries surrounding the South China Sea. “We urge the Philippine side to immediately stop its illegitimate acts violating China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and stop its provocations and propaganda. The Chinese military will take firm and effective countermeasures against any provocative attempts to stir up troubles in the South China Sea,” stressed the spokesperson. #Philippines# #Troublemaker# #Provocation# #HuangyanDao# #HuangyanIsland# #SouthChinaSea# #PLA# #CCG# #ChinaCoastGuard# #MilitaryExercise# #MilitaryDrill# #ChinaMilitary# #ChinaMilBugle#