China Activates Combat Readiness
Chinese forces activated combat readiness after detecting an alleged Philippine surveillance aircraft during naval and air patrols around the disputed Scarborough Shoal on Thursday.
Footage shows Chinese naval vessels sailing near the shoal as crew members rush to their positions and operate onboard weapons systems. Military aircraft are also seen flying over the area.
“Bearing 090, range 180 kilometres, suspected Philippine reconnaissance aircraft detected,” Chinese Navy sailor Qiu Shihao said aboard Ship 555.
“Stand by for air defence engagement,” the mission commander stated.
Military Patrols Continue
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) reported no confrontation or weapons fire. The Philippines had not issued a public response at the time of publication.
China said it had stepped up operations around the shoal since the beginning of July to counter what it called ‘rights-violation and provocative acts’. Beijing said the patrols were intended to defend its sovereignty and maintain stability in the South China Sea.
Disputed Shoal Tensions Grow
The patrol followed a series of confrontations between Manila and Beijing in late July. The two sides traded blame after an encounter at Second Thomas Shoal on July 20 left a Philippine sailor injured.
China and the Philippines both claim Scarborough Shoal. Beijing calls it Huangyan Dao, while it is known in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc.
PLA Southern Theater Command via CGTN
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