China Conducts Military Exercise in South China Sea After Breakdown of Manila Resupply Deal

The provisional understanding between Beijing and Manila on Philippine resupply of Second Thomas Shoal has broken down, prompting China to conduct a military exercise in the South China Sea. This marks a reversal of the earlier de-escalation and raises the risk of renewed confrontation at the disputed shoal. The exercise signals China's intent to assert control, but the scope and duration remain unclear.