China’s military carried out naval and air combat readiness patrols near the Scarborough Shoal on Thursday, according to an official statement. The move comes at a time when multiple countries are participating in large-scale joint military exercises in the region, adding to the already tense situation in the South China Sea.

The patrols were conducted as a response to ongoing annual military drills taking place from April 20 to May 8. These exercises involve forces from Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United States. The drills are aimed at demonstrating advanced weapons systems and improving operational coordination among participating nations.

The joint exercises, known as Balikatan or “shoulder to shoulder,” are being held on a larger scale this year. Officials from the United States and the Philippines have said that this edition includes the highest number of participating nations so far. The expanded participation reflects growing cooperation among allied countries in the region.

During these exercises, troops are practising coastal defence strategies and improving their ability to operate together in protecting territorial waters. The drills include simulated combat scenarios, such as repelling a mock attack using live fire against designated targets. Forces are also testing their capability to intercept potential threats, focusing on preparedness and coordination in real-time situations.

China has described its patrols as a necessary response to what it sees as increasing provocation in the region. The Southern Theatre Command of the Chinese military said in a statement, "Such patrols serve as an effective countermeasure to cope with all sorts of rights-violation and provocative acts." The statement further added, "They are meant to resolutely safeguard China's territorial ‌sovereignty ⁠and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea."

There was no immediate response from the Philippine embassy in Beijing regarding China’s latest actions. However, tensions over the Scarborough Shoal are not new. In 2024, China established what it described as a baseline of “territorial waters” around the shoal. It claims the area as its own territory and refers to it as Huangyan Island. This move has been a major source of dispute between China and the Philippines.

The Philippine government has strongly opposed China’s claims over the shoal. Manila has stated that these claims “infringe upon Philippine sovereignty and contravene international law.” The disagreement highlights the ongoing conflict over control and fishing rights in the region, which remains a sensitive issue for both countries.

China has also been critical of the joint military exercises conducted by the Philippines and its allies. It repeatedly said that such drills increase tensions rather than promote peace. Addressing the issue, Chinese defence ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said that the Asia-Pacific region needs stability and not actions that could lead to division. He stated that the involvement of outside powers in such exercises is not helpful for maintaining regional harmony.

The current developments show how military activities and territorial claims continue to shape the geopolitical landscape of the South China Sea. China’s patrols and the joint exercises by allied nations reflect a broader struggle for influence and security in the region. While each side presents its actions as defensive, the overlapping claims and military presence continue to raise concerns about long-term stability.