South China Sea: China Intensifies Patrols Around Scarborough Shoal

The Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) announced on June 30 that its naval and air forces conducted patrols in a combat-ready state in the waters surrounding Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, asserting that these activities were aimed at protecting Beijing's sovereignty claims in the region, according to Reuters. In a separate statement later, the China Coast Guard (CCG) announced that its forces also conducted law enforcement patrols in the waters and surrounding areas of the shoal on June 30. The CCG stated that it has intensified patrol activities and dealt with vessels engaged in "unauthorized infringements of sovereignty" this month, without providing details of these activities. The patrols on June 30 followed a joint exercise between the US and the Philippines in waters near Scarborough Shoal over the weekend. Washington stated that the exercise demonstrated the shared commitment of both countries to enhance regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. In response, the Chinese military stated on June 29 that it had conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea over the weekend, accusing the Philippines of drawing external forces into patrols, which Beijing claims undermines peace and stability in the region. China has consistently asserted that all activities it conducts in the region, including scientific research, fall within the legitimate rights of a sovereign nation. Named after an English ship that ran aground on the reef nearly three centuries ago, Scarborough Shoal is located 200km from the Philippines and is within its exclusive economic zone. The shoal has become a disputed target due to its abundant fish resources and a beautiful turquoise lagoon, which serves as a safe haven for vessels during storms. China calls the shoal Huangyan Island, while Manila refers to it as Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc. The shoal's location is strategically important for Beijing, situated in the middle of the South China Sea and close to shipping lanes through which goods worth up to $3 trillion annually pass. Both the Philippines and China claim sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal, but this sovereignty has never been established, and the shoal is effectively under Beijing's control. Starting in 2025, China has approved the establishment of a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, with the aim of conserving the 3,524-hectare coral reef ecosystem. This area will cover the entire northeastern part of the triangular atoll, very close to the only entrance for large vessels. The Philippines condemned this move, calling it "a clear pretext for occupation." China occupied the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippines and has maintained coast guard forces and fishing vessels there ever since. In recent months, China has repeatedly conducted activities around Scarborough Shoal. On April 10, Philippine security officials released images of a square floating structure with people on it and a central antenna, believed to have been erected by China. By June 10, the Philippines announced it was urging Beijing to remove the structure, asserting it would not allow the shoal to be turned into an artificial island. This structure was subsequently removed by China, according to Reuters. Also in mid-April, Beijing used warships and fences to tighten control over the entrance to Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea amidst escalating tensions with the Philippines concerning the disputed area. Scarborough Shoal is one of the hottest maritime dispute sites in Asia, where some diplomats and analysts fear that prolonged conflicts and confrontations could escalate into armed conflict. Source: BBC Vietnamese