China holds live-fire drills near Philippines

China's military announced on Friday, April 24, 2026, that it conducted military drills, including live-fire exercises, in waters east of the Philippines' Luzon Island. The exercises represent a direct show of force in a region of ongoing maritime tensions. The drills were publicly announced by the Chinese military, underscoring their strategic messaging to Manila and other regional actors. No further details on the scale or specific assets involved were immediately provided.