Beijing Ramps Up South China Sea Patrols Following US-Philippines Exercises

China’s military and coast guard on Tuesday carried out patrols around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, saying the operations were aimed at safeguarding Beijing’s territorial claims.

The People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theatre Command said its naval and air forces conducted combat-readiness patrols in the territorial waters and airspace surrounding the shoal.

Coast Guard Steps Up Presence

In a separate statement, the China Coast Guard (CCG) said it also conducted law enforcement patrols around Scarborough Shoal.

The CCG said it had intensified patrols throughout the month and taken action against vessels engaged in what it described as “illegal rights-violation activities”, though it did not provide further details.

Scarborough Shoal, known in China as Huangyan Dao, is claimed by both China and the Philippines and remains one of the most contested maritime features in the South China Sea.

Patrols Follow US-Philippines Exercises

The latest Chinese patrols came days after the United States and the Philippines conducted joint military drills in waters near Scarborough Shoal.

Washington said the exercises demonstrated both countries’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and strengthening regional security cooperation.

In response, China’s military said it had carried out routine patrols over the weekend and accused the Philippines of inviting countries from outside the region to conduct operations that undermine peace and stability.

Dispute Continues to Escalate

Beijing has strengthened its presence around Scarborough Shoal in recent years, including by establishing a national nature reserve in the area, a move criticised by the Philippines as a pretext for expanding China’s control.

Earlier this month, Manila said China had installed a floating platform at the entrance to the shoal before later removing it.

China has maintained that all activities it conducts around the shoal, including scientific research, fall within the rights of a sovereign state.

The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately comment on Tuesday’s military and coast guard patrols.

(with inputs from Reuters)