China Conducts Naval, Air Patrols Around Disputed Scarborough Shoal

China's military has conducted joint air and naval combat drills in the airspace and waters surrounding the disputed Scarborough Shoal, which China refers to as Huangyan Dao. The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command announced the exercises on Saturday, August 1.

The Chinese military characterized the drills as a "necessary response" to actions by "certain countries" that they claim are undermining regional peace and stability. While specific nations were not named, the Scarborough Shoal is also claimed by the Philippines, where it is known as Bajo de Masinloc. The Philippine embassy in Beijing had not immediately responded to a request for comment.

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The drills were to test and improve the combat readiness of China's forces to defend national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

According to the Chinese military, the exercises were designed to test and enhance the combat readiness of its forces in defending national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. This comes as China also implemented a new policy for the administration of the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve, established in September 2025.

The new policy, reported by Xinhua news agency, prohibits unauthorized fishing, mining, extraction of coral or giant clams, and other harmful activities within the reserve. Violators will face legal accountability, and the China Coast Guard will conduct regular patrols to enforce the ban and address any illegal activities.

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Violators of the ban will be held legally accountable.