China’s military patrols around Scarborough Shoal counter Philippine-US drills, escalating South China Sea tensions.
SOUTH CHINA SEA: China conducted naval and air patrols around the disputed Scarborough Shoal on Saturday.
The China Southern Theater Command announced the patrols, stating they were intended to safeguard national sovereignty.
The shoal lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone but is also claimed by China.
The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
China stated it has increased combat readiness patrols in the area throughout January.
The military command said the patrols were “resolutely countering the infringement provocations of individual countries within the region.”
This activity follows joint exercises by the Philippine and United States militaries in the same area earlier this week.
Manila’s armed forces said it was the 11th such drill since November 2023. – Reuters