A CHINESE People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) surface action group was reportedly observed operating near Scarborough Shoal on Aug. 1, shortly after the departure of the US aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS George Washington from the area, according to open-source satellite analysis.
The reported deployment was based on Landsat 8-9 satellite imagery analyzed by open-source intelligence (Osint) researchers. The analysis identified what were assessed to be a Type 052 guided-missile destroyer, a Type 054 guided-missile frigate, a Type 056 corvette, and a Type 071 amphibious transport dock (LPD) operating near the disputed reef.
The open-source analysts described the deployment as a show of force following the departure of the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group from the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal.
The reported vessel composition has not been independently verified by Philippine or foreign defense authorities.
Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, remains one of the most contested maritime features in the South China Sea.
China has maintained a regular coast guard and maritime presence around the shoal since taking effective control of the area in 2012 following a standoff with the Philippines.
The reported deployment follows previous reports of heightened Chinese military activity in the area.
On July 30, the PLA Southern Theater Command announced it had conducted naval and air combat readiness patrols around Scarborough Shoal while the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group was operating in the South China Sea.
Neither the Armed Forces of the Philippines nor the Department of National Defense immediately commented on the reported Aug. 1 deployment.
