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China patrols disputed shoal amid drills between Philippines and US
China's coast guard conducted law enforcement patrols around the disputed Scarborough Shoal and nearby waters in the South China Sea on Wednesday.
The Chinese coast guard stated it has strengthened patrols since the start of April, carrying out tracking, surveillance, and interception operations in accordance with laws and regulations.
It warned and expelled "illegal vessels" that entered its waters to protect China's sovereignty and interests.
This comes after the Philippines, US, and Australia conducted their own drills in the South China Sea to enhance combat readiness.
Tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated over the South China Sea, a significant global trade route and potential source of energy deposits, with China asserting extensive claims.
China controls Scarborough Shoal, a key fishing ground, since 2012.
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See how different news organizations are covering this story. Below are the original articles from various Philippine news sources that contributed to this summary.
A security think tank, SeaLight, reported a significant increase in China's presence and activities around Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) over the past year.
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China has seized control of Sandy Cay, a disputed reef just five nautical miles from the Philippine-controlled Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.
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The Philippines has declared that any construction by China at Scarborough Shoal would be a "red line" and could trigger regional instability.
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The Philippine Navy monitored nine Chinese vessels, including the aircraft carrier Shandong (CV-17), six escort warships, and two support vessels, operating near the Philippines earlier this week.
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National Security Adviser Eduardo Año stated that tensions in the South China Sea are unlikely to decrease soon due to China's increasing assertiveness.
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