China Reasserts Sovereignty with Major South China Sea Patrols Near Disputed Scarborough Shoal

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China conducts naval and air patrols around disputed South China Sea shoal

The shoal is situated within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone but also claimed by China as part of its territory.

BEIJING (Reuters) – China conducted naval and air patrols around Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Saturday, according to a statement from the China Southern Theater Command.

Earlier this week, the Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In January, China had increased combat readiness patrols in the area, “resolutely countering the infringement provocations of individual countries within the region,” the post said.

The militaries of both the Philippines and the United States carried out joint exercises in Scarborough Shoal earlier this week, marking the 11th such drill since November 2023, Manila’s armed forces reported on Tuesday.