China’s navy has undertaken significant “combat readiness patrols” near the Scarborough Shoal, a region that has become a focal point of territorial disputes in the South China Sea. According to state-run news outlet Xinhua, these drills were carried out by the Southern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in what China refers to as Huangyan Island and its surrounding areas. The maneuvers are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen China’s maritime control and ensure the protection of its national sovereignty.
The Scarborough Shoal, a rocky outcrop located approximately 220 kilometers west of Luzon in the Philippines, has been a traditional fishing ground and is claimed by Manila. However, the area has been under Chinese control since 2012 when Beijing implemented a blockade and asserted its claims over the territory. The ongoing military drills reflect China’s commitment to maintaining stability and peace in the South China Sea, even amidst tensions with neighboring countries.
In previous incidents, Beijing faced accusations from the Philippines regarding aggressive maneuvers, including an altercation where a Chinese naval vessel utilized a water cannon against a Philippine coast guard ship near the shoal. Despite international scrutiny, particularly following a 2016 tribunal ruling that undermined Beijing’s claims, the Chinese navy continues to assert its presence in the region, conducting regular military exercises.
Moreover, recent developments in the Yellow Sea highlight growing tensions. South Korean officials reported the installation of three new Chinese buoys in overlapping waters, raising the total count to 13 such devices. South Korea’s Ministry of Defence has pledged to closely monitor these developments and collaborate with relevant agencies to uphold its maritime sovereignty.
China’s maritime claims are rooted in a 1962 agreement with North Korea, which intersects with areas that South Korea considers part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Yellow Sea enables joint management of marine resources while prohibiting activities beyond navigation and fishing. However, recent kilometers of installations, including observation buoys since 2018 and a fixed steel structure in 2022, have heightened tensions between Beijing and Seoul.
The declaration of no-sail zones in the region for purported military training purposes has further amplified concerns in South Korea regarding potential increased Chinese naval activities. As these geopolitical dynamics unfold, the implications for regional stability and cooperation are significant.
#PoliticsNews #WorldNews