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

This is a necessary action taken in light of the current situation in the South China Sea and in response to the actions of certain countries in the region that have undermined regional peace and stability, the statement said.

The training exercise aims to test and enhance the forces' real-combat capabilities to safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.