China conducts combat patrol near Scarborough Shoal during US-led drills

China conducted a combat patrol near Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday to test strike capabilities, amid joint military exercises involving the Philippines, United States, Canada, and Australia.

Scarborough Shoal is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and has long been a flashpoint for territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Chinese military exercises are seen by analysts as increasingly aggressive attempts to intimidate the Philippines, with Beijing claiming almost the entire South China Sea despite rival claims from several Southeast Asian countries.

Philippine military spokesman Xerxes Trinidad reported no trace of Chinese military activity near Scarborough Shoal but noted the presence of three PLA Navy vessels during the joint drills.

Recent confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels have escalated, including an incident in June where Filipino troops faced armed Chinese sailors near Second Thomas Shoal.

The Philippines and China agreed on a provisional arrangement for resupplying troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal to de-escalate tensions, but Beijing's use of combat patrols suggests growing dissatisfaction with Manila’s collaborative efforts with its allies.

Joint military exercises involving the Philippines, United States, Canada, and Australia began Wednesday as part of efforts to bolster regional security against China’s aggressive actions.