Overview
- China conducted a seven-hour military exercise southwest of Scarborough Shoal after deploying maritime security officers, large patrol ships and new buoys to the area.
- The U.S. State Department condemned China’s actions and reiterated that the mutual defense treaty covers attacks on Philippine forces, public vessels and aircraft in the South China Sea.
- The Philippine Coast Guard released video it says shows a Chinese J-16 fighter jet harassing a Philippine patrol aircraft, with a prior low pass by a Chinese navy helicopter also reported.
- During the same patrol, Philippine personnel reported a second yellow buoy at the shoal and said satellite imagery showed a previously undetected structure.
- The drills coincided with the final day of the U.S.-Philippine Sama Sama exercises, as analysts and officials note China’s expanded mix of destroyers, helicopters, coast guard units and a newly declared marine nature reserve protested by Manila and Washington.