The PLA Southern Theater Command (STC) said on Friday that it recently dispatched Naval Task Group 107 to conduct exercises including live-fire drills, air-sea coordination, rapid maneuvering, and underway replenishment to test integrated joint operations capabilities in the waters east of the Philippines' Luzon Island.

This is a necessary operation carried out in response to the current regional situation, and is fully in compliance with international law and practice, the command said in a statement.

Forces of the STC will regularly conduct corresponding military operations based on the need of the security situation to safeguard national sovereignty and security as well as regional peace and stability.