Beijing has ramped up military activities in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, escalating regional tensions. On Thursday, China announced it was conducting air and naval patrols around Scarborough Shoal, a contested reef chain, to “resolutely defend” its sovereignty.
The Chinese military’s Southern Theatre Command described these “combat readiness patrols” as a move to strengthen vigilance in the area.
The patrols form part of ongoing operations throughout November. Taiwan’s defence ministry confirmed the presence of 19 Chinese military aircraft near its territory on Thursday, alongside Chinese warships conducting joint drills.
Scarborough Shoal, seized by China from the Philippines in 2012, lies 240 kilometres west of Luzon and is a hotspot for maritime disputes. Recent clashes between Philippine and Chinese vessels have heightened tensions, with injuries and damage reported. In November, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos enacted laws defining the nation’s territorial waters and imposing fixed lanes for foreign ships, prompting Beijing to summon Manila’s envoy in protest.
China’s coast guard has vowed to intensify patrols in the Scarborough Shoal region. Simultaneously, Beijing condemned a newly signed US-Philippines security agreement facilitating the sharing of classified information. Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian warned that such agreements risk exacerbating regional instability, stating that forming alliances will only increase tensions.
On Taiwan, Beijing reiterated its opposition to “secessionist” activities as Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te prepared for a Pacific tour with stopovers in the United States. Wu Qian called on Washington to avoid sending “wrong signals” supporting Taiwan independence, warning of a robust military response to any perceived provocations.
Shortly after Wu’s comments, Taiwan’s defence ministry reported further Chinese military activity around the island, including 19 aircraft and warships engaging in joint drills. Taiwan also conducted its own air defence exercises to enhance operational readiness against potential threats.
Lai’s overseas trip, his first since taking office, includes official visits to Pacific allies and brief stops in Guam and Hawaii. China, which views such trips as provocative, has carried out two major military exercises near Taiwan this year, frequently deploying aircraft and ships into the region. Taipei has also reported the appearance of Chinese balloons near its coastline, describing it as continued harassment.
Taiwan’s presidential office warned that any military action linked to Lai’s trip would be a “blatant provocation” undermining regional peace. China maintains such transit stops violate its “one-China principle,” framing them as deliberately provocative.
