South China Sea: Chinese military says reef patrols stepped up amid Philippines tension

China’s military announced on Thursday it had stepped up patrols of a disputed South China Sea reef amid mounting tension with the Philippines and the United States.

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theatre Command, which oversees the South China Sea, said that naval and air forces conducted a “combat-ready vigilance patrol” over the surrounding waters and airspace of Scarborough Shoal in addition to patrols earlier this month.

“Since November, the theatre has organised naval and air forces to continuously strengthen the patrol and vigilance of the sea and air space around the territorial waters of Huangyan Island, further strengthening our control of the relevant sea and airspace,” the command said, referring to China’s name for the shoal.

“[The theatre] is steadfast about defending our nation’s sovereignty and security, and safeguarding the peace and stability of the South China Sea.”

The announcement came after Beijing declared territorial baselines around Scarborough Shoal this month.

The US also said last week that it had deployed a special task force in support of Manila in South China Sea disputes.

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Beijing, Manila trade ‘ramming’ claims in latest South China Sea coastguard incident

Beijing, Manila trade ‘ramming’ claims in latest South China Sea coastguard incident