On Sunday, China’s military and coast guard executed patrol operations near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, following a statement from the Philippine defense minister indicating Manila is still under threat from Beijing despite an easing of U.S.-China tensions. Scarborough Shoal, a contentious maritime zone in Asia, is a recurring point of conflict between China and the Philippines regarding territorial and fishing rights.

The People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theatre Command announced through WeChat that its naval and air units undertook combat readiness patrols in the ‘territorial sea and airspace’ of the atoll. These movements are purportedly aimed at countering rights violations and provocative actions. Concurrently, China’s coast guard reported it conducted law enforcement patrols in the area, addressing what it called ‘illegal rights-violation activities’ under Chinese laws.

As regional defense leadership gathered for the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro pointed out the ongoing ‘severe threat’ from China both politically and territorially. The Philippines continues to navigate a complex maritime dispute with China, with historical skirmishes in the South China Sea, despite a recent diplomatic thaw between the United States and China.

(With inputs from agencies.)