BEIJING, June 30 – China's military and coast guard announced on Tuesday that they had conducted patrols around Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea to support Beijing's claims to the area.
The Southern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army stated that its naval and air forces carried out readiness patrols in the territory's waters and airspace surrounding the shoal.
Scarborough Shoal, known as "Huangyan Dao" by Beijing, is a contested area claimed by both China and the Philippines, making it one of the most disputed maritime locations in Asia.
Later, the China Coast Guard (CCG) mentioned that it also conducted law-enforcement patrols in the waters and nearby areas of the shoal. They reported that this month they have increased patrols to regulate ships involved in "illegal rights-violation activities," though they did not provide further details.
The Philippine embassy in Beijing has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the PLA and CCG patrols.
These patrols occurred after joint U.S.-Philippine military exercises took place near Scarborough Shoal over the weekend. Washington stated that this highlighted a shared commitment to enhancing cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
In reaction, China's military said on Monday that it conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea over the weekend and accused the Philippines of including non-regional countries in patrols, which allegedly disrupts regional peace and stability.
In recent years, Beijing has strengthened its claims over Scarborough, including the establishment of a national nature reserve at the shoal, which the Philippines labeled as a "clear pretext for occupation."
Earlier this month, the Philippines reported that China set up a floating platform at the entrance to Scarborough Shoal in late May, which was later removed. Beijing defended its activities there, asserting that they were within the legitimate rights of a sovereign state.