Tensions in the South China Sea have increased as China and the Philippines, along with their allies, conducted military drills near the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
These exercises come amid an ongoing standoff over sovereignty claims in the region.
On Wednesday, China’s Southern Theatre Command announced that it had carried out air and sea combat patrols near Scarborough Shoal, which China calls Huangyan Island. The drills were aimed at testing the strike capabilities and early warning systems of Chinese forces.
According to Al Jazeera, this show of force appears to be a direct response to military exercises held on the same day by the United States, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines.
China’s military stated that its activities were focused on controlling disruptions in the South China Sea and maintaining regional peace and stability.
The timing and location of the drills suggest they were also intended to send a message to the other countries involved.
The joint military exercises by the US, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines were conducted to address "common maritime challenges" and to uphold international law in the Asia-Pacific region.
In a joint statement, the military leaders of these countries reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring free passage through the region, a key global shipping route.
Ongoing Standoff
Scarborough Shoal is located 240 km (150 miles) west of the Philippines' Luzon Island and nearly 900 km (560 miles) from China’s Hainan Island.
It has been a key point of conflict. In 2012, China took control of the shoal, a rich fishing area historically used by Filipino fishermen.
This has been a major source of tension between Beijing and Manila, especially after an international tribunal ruled that China’s claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis — a ruling China has ignored.
Another ongoing conflict in the region involves the Second Thomas Shoal, where a Filipino warship has been grounded for years.
