"Deliberately grounded on a tiny reef in the #SouthChinaSea, part of an island chain claimed by the two Asian countries, the #BRPSierraMadre is now the unlikely base for a detachment of Filipino marines who stand guard over the atoll, scanning the turquoise waters for Chinese ships." #AyunginShoal#SecondThomasShoal#Philippines
Footage shared by state broadcaster CCTV and the Chinese military on Thursday showed what they called "live fire drills" taking place over the sea.
One video, shared by the Chinese military's Southern Theatre Command, showed jets taking off and firing missiles that then struck targets.
The drills coincided with a two-day exercise by the #US and the #Philippines in the disputed waters, involving an aircraft carrier strike group led by the #USSCarlVinson. #SouthChinaSea