PLA conducts naval exercises near Philippine waters

The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command has dispatched Naval Task Group 107 to conduct a series of military exercises in the waters east of the Philippine Luzon Island, the command said in a statement on Friday.

The exercises focused on live-fire drills, air-sea coordination, rapid maneuvering, and underway replenishment. These activities are designed to test and improve the PLA's ability to conduct integrated joint operations, it added.

The command emphasized that these exercises are a necessary response to the current regional security situation. "The operations are fully in compliance with international law and practice," it stated, reiterating China's commitment to maintaining regional peace and stability.

The command has affirmed its commitment to conducting regular military operations to safeguard China's national sovereignty and security while contributing to the broader goal of regional peace and stability.