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3d ago

China Warns Philippines as PLA Steps Up South China Sea Patrols

Beijing pairs stepped-up patrols with a proposed Scarborough Shoal nature reserve to consolidate its position.

An aerial view of a China Coast Guard ship navigating near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, as Philippine Coast Guard aircraft carrying journalists patrols the area, days after two Chinese vessels collided in the area while allegedly trying to block a Philippine supply mission, in the South China Sea, August 13, 2025. REUTERS/Adrian Portugal/File Photo
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Overview

  • The PLA Southern Theatre Command said it conducted a second recent 'routine' patrol and warned Manila to stop 'provocations' and seeking external backing.
  • The statement followed joint maritime drills by the United States, Japan and the Philippines in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone from Thursday to Saturday, according to US Indo‑Pacific Command.
  • China’s State Council unveiled plans to create a 3,500‑hectare nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, which the Philippines also claims.
  • Manila lodged protests over the reserve proposal, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the move as a coercive bid to advance expansive claims.
  • Scarborough Shoal sits inside the Philippines’ claimed EEZ, though China has controlled access since 2012 and rejects the 2016 tribunal ruling favoring Manila.