South China Sea, China - Aug 1, 2026 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Aerial shots of warships at sea
2. Aircraft flying over sea
3. Pilot
4. Aerial shot of warships at sea
5. Aircraft on warship
6. Various of warship at sea
7. Aerial shots of vessel, warship at sea
8. Aerial shot of Huangyan Dao
9. Various of aircraft flying over sea
10. Aerial shots of territorial sea of Huangyan Dao

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command conducted a joint naval-air training exercise in the territorial sea and airspace of China's Huangyan Dao and its surrounding areas on Saturday.

The training exercise aims to test and enhance the forces' real combat capabilities, including reconnaissance and early warning, deterrence patrols, sea-air control and joint strikes, to safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

The exercise effectively tested the troops' capabilities in sea-air coordination, rapid reinforcement and systemic warfare.

Upon orders, the joint operations command center of the Southern Theater Command directed participating units to maneuver and assemble quickly in designated areas. A bomber formation and a naval fleet, including the warships of Zhanjiang and Qilianshan, arrived on site.

During the exercise, the bomber formation carried out strikes on maritime targets, while the naval formation organized air-defense operations in a defensive posture, which tested the aerial firepower and joint air-defense capabilities among escort vessels.

The exercise this time is a necessary action taken in light of the current situation in the South China Sea and in response to the acts of certain countries within the region that have undermined regional peace and stability.