China conducted naval, air and coast guard patrols around the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Sunday, its military and Coast Guard said. ADVERTISEMENT SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENTThe Philippines marked the Scarborough Shoal as its exclusive economic zone, and China also claims the shoal as part of its territory. The patrols came after Beijing and Manila restarted high-level talks last week over the disputed waters and discussed oil and gas cooperation in the area. Recent maritime confrontations have heightened tensions, with the Philippines accusing Beijing of "dangerous manoeuvres" and deploying water cannon to interfere with its resupply missions in contested areas. The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Source: The Standard March 29, 2026 17:16 UTC