Chinese military conducts patrols and drills in the South China Sea

The Chinese military, known as the PLA, has been conducting what it calls routine patrols and combat readiness patrols in the South China Sea. These activities include naval and air patrols, as well as combat drills involving new warships like the Type 052D destroyer.

A Chinese military expert said these actions and recent overseas airshow appearances by J-10 fighter jets show the progress of the PLA Air Force. Meanwhile, Philippine officials visited the disputed area, and a foreign opinion piece discussed maintaining an American presence there.