China says it held drills near Scarborough after days of sea tensions
MANILA, Philippines — China staged military and coast guard drills near Panatag Shoal on Saturday, August 1, in a show of force after recent confrontations with the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea.
Panatag Shoal, also known as Scarborough Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc, is a fishing-rich reef claimed by both Manila and Beijing.
A spokesperson for the Chinese military's Southern Theater Command said Beijing conducted "a joint naval-air training exercise" near the shoal.
"This is a necessary action taken in light of the current situation in the South China Sea and in response to the acts of certain countries within the region that have undermined regional peace and stability," the spokesperson said.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV aired footage of two warships patrolling the waters and a plane taking off from an airport, accompanied by patriotic pop music.
Forced towing drills
China's coast guard also said it conducted drills near the shoal during the day.
The exercises focused on operations that included "search and seizure (VBSS), interdiction of forced entry, and forced towing," according to the China Coast Guard.
It said it would "resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."
Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, a vital global trade route, despite a 2016 arbitral ruling that found its sweeping claims had no legal basis.
The Philippines and other countries in the region have claims that overlap with China's sweeping assertions in the heavily patrolled waterway.
Recent clashes
China said it took "necessary measures" last week after deploying a water cannon at a Philippine vessel for two consecutive days, accusing Manila of "infringing and provocative actions" and condemning the presence of a television crew on board.
Manila said the mission was meant to resupply fishermen and accused a Chinese vessel of a "reckless" maneuver.
China also released new rules Saturday for managing what it called a nature reserve around Scarborough Shoal, according to state news agency Xinhua.
"Without authorization, fishing, mining, the collection of corals, coral reefs, giant clams, and other activities that damage rare marine species and the natural ecosystem are prohibited," the rules said.
The rules were published a day after the Philippines said it would submit its official nautical chart of Scarborough Shoal and its surrounding waters to the United Nations this week. — with Agence France-Presse
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