Another China-Philippines Standoff Erupts at Scarborough Shoal! PLA Warns Philippine Military Aircraft: 'Approach Again and You Will Be Intercepted' — Coast Guard Uses Water Cannon to Drive Away Official Ship

(Philippines, 31st) The China-Philippines rivalry in the South China Sea continues to escalate! On Thursday (30th), the Southern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army organized naval and air forces to conduct combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters, airspace, and surrounding maritime and air areas of Scarborough Shoal, publicly issuing a stern warning to Philippine military aircraft approaching the relevant airspace: 'Do not approach, or you will be intercepted.'

Official Chinese-released video shows PLA Air Force pilots communicating via radio with the Philippine military aircraft, demanding immediate withdrawal and stating that interception actions would be taken otherwise.

At the same time, on the same day, the China Coast Guard also conducted law enforcement patrols in the territorial and adjacent waters of Scarborough Shoal. According to the China Coast Guard, since July they have continuously strengthened patrols in the waters around Scarborough Shoal and taken measures according to the law, including radio warnings, blocking and controlling, and water cannon spraying, to repel Filipino official vessels suspected of illegal infringement and harassment, which ultimately turned away.

The Tension in the South China Sea Intensifies

In recent months, frictions between China and the Philippines over disputed areas such as Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas Shoal, and Sabina Shoal have continuously erupted. The Philippines has continued to send coast guard ships, official vessels, and supply ships into disputed waters, frequently accusing China Coast Guard of dangerous navigation and using water cannons to block their actions.

China, on the other hand, reiterates that Scarborough Shoal and the relevant sea areas are Chinese territory, and asserts that Philippine vessels are trespassing without permission into Chinese-administered waters. According to China, their coast guard’s law enforcement actions are necessary to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights.

With the United States, Japan, and Australia holding frequent joint patrols and military exercises with the Philippines in recent months, China has likewise continued to strengthen combat readiness patrols by its Southern Theater Command and Coast Guard’s law enforcement, causing the situation in the South China Sea to heat up further. The ongoing sino-Philippine maritime standoff has now become a focal point in regional security.