China Deploys Military and Coast Guard Near Scarborough Shoal

The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command and the China Coast Guard conducted combat readiness patrols in the airspace and waters near Scarborough Shoal, also known as Huangyan Dao, on July 30. These combined operations involved naval and air units performing maneuvers in the disputed region of the South China Sea.

During the operation, the China Coast Guard reported using water cannons, verbal warnings, and blocking tactics to expel vessels it described as illegal and harassing. The Southern Theater Command stated that these patrols have been enhanced since July as a countermeasure against provocative acts and rights-violations.

These actions occur amidst intensifying maritime confrontations between China and the Philippines over overlapping territorial claims. While the Chinese military maintains the patrols are intended to safeguard national sovereignty and security, the Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to requests for comment.