PLA launches patrols near Scarborough Shoal after flights
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The PLA Southern Theater Command said on Wednesday it deployed naval and air forces to carry out combat-readiness patrols in the territorial waters, airspace and surrounding areas of Scarborough Shoal, which China and the Philippines both claim. The command said it has been strengthening patrols and alert operations around the shoal since August, after what it described as repeated intrusions by Philippine small aircraft.
Key Points
- The Southern Theater Command announced the operation on Wednesday, September 2, saying forces were sent to Scarborough Shoal’s waters, airspace and nearby areas.
- The command said Scarborough Shoal is China’s inherent territory and that patrol and alert operations around the area have been continuously intensified since August.
- According to an earlier PLA notice cited by on.cc, three Philippine small aircraft entered Scarborough Shoal airspace on August 21 without notifying China
- The aircraft named in that earlier notice were an Islander, a C-208 and a PA-31T, according to the on.cc report
- On August 31, a Philippine C-208 aircraft again entered Scarborough Shoal airspace, according to the same report
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the development points to continued tension in the South China Sea and the likelihood of further official statements or military signalling from Beijing over disputed waters. It also shows that recent aerial activity, not only ship movements, is becoming part of the confrontation around Scarborough Shoal