China’s navy has ramped up its military presence in the South China Sea, conducting "combat readiness patrols" near the Scarborough Shoal, a contested area claimed by the Philippines. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) carried out these drills in what it refers to as the territorial waters of Huangyan Island, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. This move is part of ongoing exercises aimed at reinforcing China’s control over the region and asserting its claims despite international opposition.
The Scarborough Shoal is about 220 kilometers west of Luzon, the nearest major landmass in the Philippines. This area has been a flashpoint since 2012 when China seized control of the shoal, which is a vital fishing ground for Filipino fishermen. The Chinese military activities come even after a 2016 ruling by an international tribunal that declared China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis.
In a related development, South Korea has reported the installation of three new Chinese buoys in the Yellow Sea, bringing the total to 13. These buoys have been placed in waters that overlap with South Korea’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The South Korean Ministry of Defence stated it is closely monitoring these installations and will work with relevant agencies to protect its maritime rights.
The Chinese buoys were first detected in May but were only announced recently. Two of them are near the provisional maritime zone, while one is within the contested area. China bases its maritime boundaries on a 1962 agreement with North Korea, which conflicts with South Korea’s claims.
Tensions between China and South Korea have been escalating, particularly as China has repeatedly set up structures in the Yellow Sea. In addition to the buoys, China declared three no-sail zones in the area last week, raising concerns in Seoul about increased military activity.
Both incidents highlight the growing maritime disputes in the region, with China asserting its claims while neighboring countries, like the Philippines and South Korea, push back to protect their own interests. As these tensions continue, the situation in the South China Sea and Yellow Sea remains a point of concern for regional stability.