Philippine ships participate in a military drill in the disputed South China Sea in 2024. China and the Philippines claim the Scarborough Shoal and other islands, islets and reefs in the sea passage.

Australia, Canada and the Philippines deployed three warships and aircraft Wednesday for drills against simulated aerial threats off a disputed South China Sea shoal where Chinese forces have used risky manoeuvres to try to drive away Manila’s aircraft and ships.

The Philippine military said the naval drills east of the Scarborough Shoal were concluded safely, and it did not mention any encounter with Chinese coast guard, navy and suspected militia ships which have been closely guarding the uninhabited fishing atoll off the northwestern Philippines for years.

Chinese officials did not immed

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